While the gubernatorial campaigns and the legislative caucuses are attracting most of the money and attention in the current election cycle, legislative candidates in competitive districts are also getting some measure of love from the PAC donors who have weighed in with their first finance reports of 2010.

State Sen. Mee Moua's unexpected decision not to seek a third term at the Capitol set off a political frenzy in the St. Paul district that she represents. Ultimately nine DFL candidates jumped into the fray, setting up a confusing August 10 primary. Look for a longer piece about the contest on PIM's web site later today, but here's thumbnail sketches of the contenders:

The last-minute retirement of Sen. Mee Moua, DFL-St. Paul, coupled with the decision of SD 67 Democrats to make no endorsement in the race to replace her, has made for a nine-person primary race in the district. The candidates (drum roll, please): John M. Harrington, Foung Hawj (Heu), Tom Hilber, Chai Lee, Vang T. Lor, Jim McGowan, Trayshana P. Thomas, Avi Viswanathan and Cha Yang. Is it the state's biggest primary field ever? No.

St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington filed today to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by Mee Moua. He is the fifth DFL candidate to officially join the race to represent St. Paul's East Side.