The last two election cycles have witnessed wave elections for both parties that tilted the Minnesota House of Representatives in polar opposite directions.

While this November’s legislative elections might still seem far off, the scene in east-central Minnesota’s House District 11B is marked by immediacy on both sides of the aisle.

It’s not uncommon for a legislator or two to announce their retirements after the end of session. But 2012 has seen more last-minute departures than many political pros can ever recall.

Citing a mild heart attack the Friday before Memorial Day, Crawford said he and his family had grown concerned about his health.

In recent weeks, local party activists around Minnesota have commandeered many a school auditorium to endorse candidates for state House and Senate races.

House and Senate races across the state are rapidly shaking out after the release of the 2012 legislative map last month. And with local endorsing conventions set to take place throughout March, incumbents and challengers alike have little time to make decisions about their political futures.

House and Senate races across the state are rapidly shaking out following the release of new legislative maps.

Former DFL Rep. Tim Faust, Pine City official Nathan Johnson and Quamba Mayor Tom Ladwig Jr. are plotting a run against first-term GOPer Roger Crawford, who unseated Faust in 2010.

The city planner of Pine City, Minn., Nathan Johnson, has filed to run as a DFLer against Crawford in central Minnesota's House District 8B.

Republican Rep. Steve Drazkowski and others say they have accepted the $34 billion number. But in their eyes, this means that they have already “compromised” on the budget — even if it’s only with other Republicans.