[Don't missPart Iif you haven't read it.]

In37A,Tara Mackis running against Rep.Shelley Madore(DFL-Apple Valley). Mack is the legislative assistant for 34B’sRep.Joe Hoppe(R-Chaska) and so brings to the race a deft understanding of Capitol operations. Besides a "passion for the political process,’" she’s had the opportunity to learn "what it takes to be a good legislator," MacktoldThisweek Newspapersin February. First-termer Madore will defend her seat, but has more than just one election under her belt. In 2004 she lost the race for 37A toformer Rep.Lloyd Cybartby 466 votes, but returned in 2006 to defeat him by a mere 195.

Once a DFL stronghold, district17Ahas been represented by RepublicanRob Eastlund(R-Isanti) since 2000. As the district has grown in population, it has increasingly voted for Republican candidates, but Eastlund’s 2006 victory overMelissa Jabaswas very narrow. With only 195 votes separating the candidates two years ago, the DFL will be considering this a winnable seat. To oppose Eastlund, they’ve endorsedJim Godfrey, an Education Minnesota-affiliated teacher from Cambridge. He’s secured a number of endorsements, including Jabas, Sen.Rick Olseen(DFL-Harris) and Rep.Jeremy Kalin(DFL-Lindstrom).

Speaking of Rep. Kalin, the freshman will have to defend his seat in17BagainstDon Taylor, who won endorsement over three other candidates