The Minnesota Independent

James Metzen - Latest Stories

Minnesota Health Plan advances in Senate, opponents grilled

By Andy Birkey | 02.12.09 | 8:53 am

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Health Plan Act, which would make the state of Minnesota the insurance pool for all residents, passed by a 7-3 margin with no Republican support in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. The bill advances to the Senate, where its odds of passage this year are slim. But the animated debate put into sharp relief views about health care — as a right or a privilege, a community good or a consumer choice.

VP or not VP: Pawlenty’s good fortune could turn into our Gov. Carol Molnau

By Paul Demko | 04.29.08 | 3:27 pm

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is clearly among the frontrunners for the No. 2 spot on the Republican ticket. Every beltway wonk has him on their short list and Marc Ambinder recently reported on a T-Paw…