Politically Connected: Local Politics

May 1: DFLers to decide: Who has best chance of unseating Kline in Second District?

The candidate will face an established incumbent with an enormous fundraising advantage. Iraq war veteran Steve Sarvi is favored to win the party's nomination.

Referendum organizers back on campaign trail

More than 30 people attended the first meeting to garner support to pass a Minneapolis tax levy this fall.

2 years later, abortion will again be on S.D. ballot

Chris Nelson

The lessons of the intense 2006 campaign weigh heavily on the measure's proponents and foes.

Delano voters OK money for land - but not school

Delano School District officials are considering their next move after voters again rejected a bond to build an elementary school.

Split decision seen in Delano vote

The Delano School District's request to buy land for a new elementary school was approved by voters Tuesday, but the district again failed to get the OK to proceed with construction of the school.

Each week, Star Tribune journalists dissect the latest surprises, accomplishments and shenanigans in Minnesota politics. Combined, the Pig's Eye panel -- Political editors Dennis J. McGrath and Doug Tice and editorial writer/columnist Lori Sturdevant -- has more than 65 years experience covering the state's politics. Podcast experience? Ummm...did we mention all the years covering politics?

Recent episodes

Pig's Eye Podcast: Al Franken and the Legislature

The Pig's Eye Podcast panel discusses Al Franken's tax mess and the Minnesota Legislature's final weeks. 05/05/2008 10:31 AM

Pig's Eye podcast: Al Franken's tax problems

Al Franken, trying to win the DFL endorsement to take on Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, could be tripped up by missteps in the way his show business enterprise was run. 04/28/2008 10:41 AM

Erik Paulsen wins GOP endorsement for Congress

Erik Paulsen discusses his congressional campaign, and comparisons to Ramstad and Madia. 04/19/2008 01:28 PM

Current state office holders

Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
Carol Molnau is a plain spoken Minnesota farmer whose consistently conservative positions on transportation, taxes and most everything else drew attention during a decade's tenure in the Minnesota House. She is also the first lieutenant governor to head the state transportation department.

Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
Mark Ritchie is Minnesota's chief elections officer, charged with ensuring the fairness and integrity of voting in the state. He was was swept into office on a DFL tide in 2006.

Attorney General: Lori Swanson
Lori Swanson was former Attorney General Mike Hatch's close aide throughout his eight-year term. She won handily in her first bid for elected office in 2006.

State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Rebecca Otto served one term in the Minnesota House. She ran a vigorous campaign and ousted incumbent Pat Anderson in 2006.

Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.