There isn’t a lot you can learn by perusing the state’s annual report on lobbying activity in Minnesota, but here’s what we do know: Special-interest groups, organizations and companies spent more than $52.5 million lobbying the Minnesota Legislature last year. That’s almost $10 million less than they spent in 2008 and the smallest amount since 2004, according to a report from the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
As Homer Simpson always says, it's funny because it's true.
by Paul Demko
Published: March 10, 2010
Tags: 2010 Governor's Race, Dave Griggs, DFL Party, endorsement, Jaime Tincher, John Marty, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton, Matt Entenza, Paul Thissen, R.T. Rybak, Susan Gaertner, Tina Smith, Tom Bakk, Tom Rukavina
There are two clear front-runners in the battle for the DFL gubernatorial endorsement: House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. By the only measures currently available – caucus straw poll, pledged delegates – they’re well ahead of the rest of pack of contenders. That will almost certainly remain the case when delegates assemble for the statewide party convention in Duluth at the end of April.
by Paul Demko
Published: March 8, 2010
Tags: 2010 Governor's Race, John Marty, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Marty Seifert, Matt Entenza, Paul Thissen, R.T. Rybak, Tom Bakk, Tom Emmer, Tom Rukavina
The vast majority of delegates have now been chosen for April's state political conventions. While there's no public master list of where their allegiances lie, a couple of web sites have been keeping close tabs on the gubernatorial delegate hunt.
by Betsy Sundquist
Published: February 19, 2010
Tags: Chris Coleman, Dave Griggs, Jaime Tincher, John Marty, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton, Minnesota DFL, Paul Thissen, R.T. Rybak, Susan Gaertner, Tina Smith, Tom Bakk, Tom Rukavina, Tony Sutton
Depending on your perspective, the Minnesota DFL State Central Committee's Voter Activation Network database is a cash cow, a valuable communication tool or a massive headache - or some combination of the three.
There are presently eight state legislators from both sides of the aisle running for governor. In the opening week of the legislative session, they introduced more than two dozen bills.
by Betsy Sundquist
Published: February 10, 2010
Tags: 2010 Minnesota Legislative Races, Brita Sailer, Cy Thao, David Francis, Gail Kulick Jackson, Geoff Michel, Jeremy Kalin, Jim Vickerman, John Marty, John Ward, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Pat Pariseau, Paul Rosenthal, Sandy Rummel, Steve Murphy, Tarryl Clark
Fifteen more Minnesotans have registered campaign committees with the state to run for the state Legislature this year -- and one has dropped out of a House race in the east metro.
Minnesota's newest state senator, who earned his job after his predecessor resigned to become a lobbyist for racinos, testified this morning against a bill that would impose a two-year moratorium on former legislators and elected officials becoming paid lobbyists.
Nearing the start of a 2010 session that promises to be both urgent and acrimonious, top House and Senate leaders from both parties say they're serious about producing job stimulus legislation.
by Paul Demko
Published: December 14, 2009
Tags: John Marty, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton, Matt Entenza, Paul Thissen, R.T. Rybak, Steve Kelley, Stonewall DFL, Susan Gaertner, Tom Rukavina
Stonewall DFL is backing Matt Entenza for governor. The party's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender caucus cited his strong support for gay marriage in making the endorsement.
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