Lisa Fobbe

At least 10 challengers have announced their intent to run for the state House or Senate. Not surprisingly, given the strong Democratic majorities in both chambers, the bulk of the early contenders are Republicans.

A roundup of recent recount tidbits: The Strib on why Republicans may claim “we wuz robbed,” the resurgence of the Ritchie’s-a-Commie attack, Norm Coleman’s forced hockey metaphor, and more.

Former state Rep. Mark Olson’s bizarre write-in campaign, which was endorsed by the Republican Party in Senate District 16, fell slightly short of success. The Republican, who was kicked out of the party caucus after being arrested for assaulting his wife, received 310 votes in the state Senate race, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. But that’s not to say that Olson didn’t play a vital role in the contest.

Remember Mark Olson? Republicans in Senate District 16 have endorsed his write-in campaign for the state senate.