Topic: Minnesota Politics

Rick Perry's "Fed Up!" may actually win him some votes

Unlike the bulk of campaign books, Rick Perry's "Fed Up!" has something to say – and is winning some praise in the press.

Can Rick Perry maintain his good ties with Muslims as a GOP candidate?

As governor of Texas, Rick Perry has a long record of warm relations with Muslims. Could that be a liability in a GOP presidential field in which several candidates question US Muslims' loyalty?

Minnesota government shutdown nears an end, but at what cost?

The Minnesota governor and legislative Republicans say they have a deal to end a government shutdown that began on July 1. But budget experts say the deal is fiscally 'unustainable.'

Minnesota governor proposes end to shutdown – but will Republicans bite?

Gov. Mark Dayton (D) is telling Republican leaders he will accept a Republican budget plan, but with conditions. The climate in Minnesota could hold lessons for the debt talks in Washington.

Minnesota government shutdown: What could end it?

Republican lawmakers last week rejected the proposals offered by Gov. Mark Dayton (D). The Minnesota government shutdown is now in its 10th day.

Why Minnesota? Possible state shutdown mirrors larger US debate

With tax revenues still low, state and federal budgets are tight – and across the nation, politicians are drawing lines in the sand.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry for president? Why he could have a hard time.

Rick Perry might jump into the presidential race after all. While he would bring formidable strengths to the race, his record isn’t all sweetness and light.

Election 101: Tim Pawlenty as 'everyman's' candidate? Ten points about who he is.

The former governor declared his candidacy for president May 22, and is hoping his foes’ flaws are his ticket to victory.

Jesse Ventura: considering a run in 2012?

Jesse Ventura says he may consider getting back into politics if Ron Paul runs for president as an independent.

Gov. Scott Walker not backing down on Wisconsin union fight

For Wisconsin Gov. Walker, as well as the thousands of protesters camped out at the state Capitol, the battle over public employee unions – particularly the right to bargain collectively – is fundamental, almost visceral.

Last governor's race finally settled: Mark Dayton wins Minnesota

Democrat Mark Dayton topped Republican Tom Emmer by 9,000 votes on Nov. 2, but Emmer insisted on contesting the result. Peculiar Minnesota laws allowed his challenge.

Gay marriage will be an issue in several state races next month

Gay marriage and gay rights could play a part in a number of state races across the country, including a Supreme Court judicial recall initiative in Iowa.

Naked Cowboy for president: Top celebrities (past and present) who aimed for the White House

Forget the midterm elections, President Obama's competition in the 2012 election is growing.

On Oct. 6 Robert Burck announced his candidacy for president for the 2012 elections. You know him better as the "Naked Cowboy," a famous New York City attraction in Times Square. Burck's announcement comes on the heels of another celeb gone potential presidential candidate: Donald Trump.

Donald Trump, in a round of TV interviews Tuesday, said he was "seriously" considering running for president in 2012. "For the first time in my life, I'm actually thinking about it," Trump, who declared himself a Republican, told Fox News Channel.

Though they are the most recent, Burck and Trump are by no means the first celebrities to aim for the White House.

Will Donald Trump try to say 'You're fired!' to President Obama?

In the wake of a favorable New Hampshire presidential poll, Donald Trump is the latest celebrity mulling a presidential candidacy in 2012. Trump announced Tuesday he was 'seriously' considering a run for the White House.

Stephen Colbert and laughable politics: Five comedians who ran for office

American politics have been the subject of satire since before the country's founding. These days the US benefits from a healthy dose of humorous political commentary, but when the jokers run for political office (jokingly of course, right?) some funny things can happen. Here are five memorable ones.

Christine O'Donnell and 5 other races where Sarah Palin's nod counted

Sarah Palin has been an avid campaigner this election season, in some cases plucking insurgent candidates from near obscurity to successfully take on more established opponents.

Not all of her candidates have won, but in the world of Republican primaries often decided by a relatively small group of conservative voters, Palin’s blessing – which she’s given to 43 candidates – can be a major factor.

Michael Bennet faces insurgent uprising in Colorado Senate primary

Polls show both establishment candidates in the Colorado Senate race – Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican Jane Norton – trailing opponents ahead of Tuesday's primary.

States cap workers benefits to reduce shortfalls: Is your pension fund at risk?

States' pension fund holdings are short $1 trillion. Illinois's answer: Cut benefits for state workers. But even that might not be enough.

Arizona immigration law: Can city boycotts work?

After new Arizona immigration law, the Web lends weight to city councils' calls for boycotts of Arizona, and cities within the state may have legitimate beefs, say legal experts.

Tim Pawlenty to eat rubber chicken in New Hampshire next month

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will speak in New Hampshire next month.

A federal misstep with medical marijuana?

The problem with the Obama administration's new directive limiting federal prosecution of medical marijuana is that it encourages those who would legalize the drug.

Gibbs: Resistance to Obama school speech just plain 'silly'

Where does Palin's exit leave GOP for 2012?

First, Sen. John Ensign and Gov. Mark Sanford admitted to having affairs. Friday, Palin left politics (for now). But the list of potential Republican candidates for the White House is still long.