Election may test anti-Trump winds, affect Senate control

Monday's special election for a Cottage Grove-area state Senate district will provide the latest barometer for how Democrats can capitalize on a midterm swoon for Republicans nationwide and cue up a fight for control over a closely divided Senate. But the Democratic and Republican candidates are doing their best to tune out the high stakes surrounding the unusual Monday special election, instead focusing on their legislative credentials from previous stints at the Capitol.

GOP – Sfundraising lagging

Democratic candidates for Minnesota governor are crushing their Republican opponents in the fundraising race, a signal GOP donors may be waiting to see whether former Gov. Tim Pawlenty decides to seek his old job. According to fundraising reports released Thursday, top Democratic candidates ended 2017 with a hefty cash advantage compared to lackluster totals across the GOP field.

Pawlenty sets meeting with advisers on governor run

A top adviser says former Gov. Tim Pawlenty has scheduled a meeting with his inner circle as he nears a decision on whether to run for governor. Pawlenty's possibly entry has been the source of speculation for months, and would likely be the immediate favorite among Republicans if he gets in.

2018 race for Franken seat attracts lots of names, sets up seismic shift

Sen. Al Franken's decision to step down amid a growing sexual-harassment scandal has scrambled Minnesota's 2018 election. Political operatives in Minnesota and Washington were drawing up lists of candidates to run for Sen. Al Franken's Senate seat even before his resignation speech last week, searching for prospects with the profile, fundraising prowess and mettle to sprint to next November's special election - and then do it again in 2020 to hold the seat another six years.

Trump, unpredictable ally for GOP, tests influence on taxes

When President Donald Trump announced plans to go to Indiana Wednesday to sell the GOP tax overhaul plan, party leaders cheered his engagement on the high-stakes issue. When the White House said one of Trump's traveling companions would be Indiana's Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly - a top target in next year's midterm elections - the hopes turned to head-smacking disbelief.

Jesse Ventura unhappy with his Minnesota Capitol plaque

'Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat': Furious Jesse Ventura slams bio on his Capitol portrait and DENIES ever saying the words engraved on plaque honoring his term as Minnesota governor Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura says he never coined the motto that's featured on a new biographical plaque that has gone up this month next to his official portrait at the state Capitol. Ventura told Minnesota Public Radio that he never said the motto listed on his plaque: 'Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat'.

Lots of elbows in 4-way GOP primary to replace Kline

Minnesota Republicans are finally ready to make their pick in the 2nd Congressional District, crystallizing the field in what's likely to be a tight contest to replace one of Minnesota's most prominent members of Congress. Tuesday's Republican primary will settle a bitter four-way primary between GOP candidates eager to take over for retiring Rep. John Kline.

Pence taps loyalists, new guard for VP staff

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence tapped into his national network of operatives and loyalists to shepherd his bid for vice president, Donald Trump's campaign announced Saturday evening. Nick Ayers, a veteran Republican operative and former manager of Tim Pawlenty's 2012 White House bid, will serve as a senior adviser.