Patricia Lopez

Home
Bios

Patricia Lopez

Political Editor | State and national politics

Phone: 651-2673-7028, cell: 612-599-2654

Email: patricia.lopez@startribune.com

Patricia Lopez is the Star Tribune’s political editor, supervising coverage for state and national politics. Lopez started at the Star Tribune in 1992, as Minneapolis City Hall reporter. She moved to the state Capitol in 1994. Before becoming political editor, Lopez was the Star Tribune’s chief political reporter, covering the governor, U.S. Senate races and the state budget.
Follow @StribLopez

Franken's in limbo as the weeks grind on

He's got the lead, but all he can do is study issues, talk policy and raise money to pay his recount bills.

Updated: May 03, 2009, - 08:30 AM

Minnesota Poll: Don't tax me, tax my neighbor

Most Minnesotans would offer up the wallets of richer folks to help solve the state's budget woes. The poll also found that Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s approval rating is lower than it has ever been.

Updated: April 30, 2009, - 12:03 AM

Carey will step down as GOP chair

The Shoreview businessman, noting a tough political climate for Republicans across the U.S., said, "Sometimes, maybe it's best for the cause to have a fresh face out there."

Updated: April 27, 2009, - 09:31 PM

Bill to raise Minn. income tax just gets by in Senate

The vote follows a bitter, long debate. A similar measure is in the House, but Gov. Pawlenty has vowed he'll veto any tax increase.

Updated: April 24, 2009, - 11:09 PM

Rep. Wagenius is bruised but OK after crash

The Minneapolis DFLer's car was totaled by a suspected drunken driver after a late-night session at the Capitol.

Updated: April 24, 2009, - 10:09 PM

Pawlenty, DFL square off on taxes

The governor offered some choice words about DFL proposals, but DFLers say "bizarre" also describes his plans.

Updated: April 23, 2009, - 09:49 PM

House tax bill sets up a 3-way battle

The plan from majority Democrats draws ire of Pawlenty aide, Senate DFL.

Updated: April 21, 2009, - 11:54 AM

Time nears for Pawlenty to cast his vote

An election certificate is the key prize in the Minnesota Senate race -- but only if the governor signs it.

Updated: April 18, 2009, - 10:57 PM

Pawlenty pitches unpaid furloughs and pay freezes

The governor wants the power over the next two years to order up to 48 days off for state employees. In exchange, he would include his commissioners and nonunion workers.

Updated: April 14, 2009, - 07:59 PM