On Saturday, Pat Shortridge was elected as the state party chairman in a statewide gathering of GOP activists in St. Cloud. Afterward the veteran GOP strategist suggested that the party had turned an important corner.

David Sturrock has resigned from his post as Secretary-Treasurer of the Republican Party of Minnesota. His departure follows the revelation that the state party is likely facing $2 million in debt ahead of a crucial 2012 election campaign.

Sen. Warren Limmer is not running for chair of the state Republican Party. On Tuesday the Judiciary Committee chair told reporters that he was weighing a bid for the party's top post, but has now decided to focus on his duties in the Senate.

Longtime GOP operative Pat Shortridge, Second Congressional District Republican chairman Terry McCall and activist Todd McIntyre have all announced campaigns. Candidates will participate in a forum on Thursday at the Wentworth Library in West St. Paul.

Brandon Sawalich's abrupt exit from the GOP chair contest -- following his brief arrest for expired license tabs and questions about a sexual harassment lawsuit settlement -- has left the field wide open.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch sent shock waves through the Capitol complex late Thursday afternoon when she announced that she will not seek re-election in 2012 and that she is resigning her post as Senate majority leader, effective immediately.

He's expected to make the announcement official this morning via news release, he said on Twitter late Thursday.

On Dec. 31 Republican activists from across the state will gather in St. Cloud to elect a new party chair. The meeting will cap a tumultuous end to 2011 for the state GOP. Earlier this month Tony Sutton suddenly resigned from the party’s top post. Revelations soon followed that the party is likely more than $1 million in debt.

Seifert's endorsement came the same day Sawalich saw two other Republicans rumored to be mulling runs of their own line up behind his candidacy.

Mike Vekich has been brought on by the Republican Party of Minnesota to help fix the cash-strapped party's finances. Vekich will play a volunteer, advisory role until a new party chairman is elected on December 31.