AM.MN: Minnesota’s U.S. Senators not giving up their seats

Despite what you may have heard about Democrats from North Dakota and Connecticut opting to retire from the U.S. Senate, the two Dems Minnesotans sent there will stay put. And Gov. Pawlenty, who travels to New Orleans today, will stick to his decision not to run for re-election.

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning … 

STATEWIDE: Dakota departure has effects here. U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan’s decision not to seek re-election in North Dakota means, for one thing, more campaign ads leaking into the Moorhead market. [Twin Cities Daily Planet]

HOPKINS: Kelley will abide. DFLer Steve Kelley won’t take his campaign for governor to the primary. [Polinaut]

AUSTIN: Unallotment ruling inspires caution. Officials won’t rush to have local cuts undone. [Austin Daily Herald]

WHITE BEAR LAKE: Vets untouchable. Minnesota is one of only two states where veterans’ benefits are off the table during budget negotiations. [WCCO-TV]

DULUTH: School board split starts early. The rule books were out as the newly narrow 4-3 majority that favors the controversial Red Plan for district reorganization shut down critics. [Duluth News Tribune]

ST. PAUL: Exactly what are your intentions with our schools, young man? Why does Gov. Pawlenty want legislative backing to delay education payouts, and is he prepping to cut the K-12 budget? [Politics in Minnesota; Minnesota Public Radio]