By Baird Helgeson
Greetings, political insiders. My name is Baird Helgeson and I am the newest political writer at the Star Tribune.
I came here from The Tampa Tribune, where I covered everything from hurricanes, to the state's property insurance crisis, to nuisance iguanas on barrier islands to drag queens in Key West.
Political chops? I covered the Florida legislature for two sessions and witnessed the political operations of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and former Gov. Jeb Bush.
Why move to Minnesota? I grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from public schools. I got a bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas and then worked in Rochester and Duluth before trying journalism in the Sunshine State.
What do I love? Great stories. If you are a state budget watchdog, tell me what you've found, what angers you, or what you think hasn't been covered well. I might not be able to get to all of it, but I will listen and I will investigate. Oh, and if you know anything wonderfully newsy about U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, I'd love to hear from you.
Otherwise, please shoot me an e-mail (baird.helgeson@startribune.com) if you live and breathe Minnesota politics and think we should get to know each other. I'll spend most of my time at the Minnesota Capitol.
