Sen. Jeff Hayden, DFL-Minneapolis, predicted that the Senate would be able to pass a bill that is closer to the House's $9.50 figure than to the $7.75 mark.

A dozen conservative activists, including state Rep. Cindy Pugh, showed up at U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen's Eden Prairie office Thursday morning in an effort to speak with the third-term GOP congressman about Obamacare and the federal government shutdown.

State Sen. Julianne Ortman is no stranger to tough electoral fights with other Republicans. She began her political career in 2000, when she was elected Carver County Commissioner, facing a five-way primary initially to get on the ballot. After the 2002 redistricting maps dropped, Ortman saw an opportunity for a newly open Senate seat, ultimately winning a GOP primary by a scant 2 points.