Minnesota Independent

Was Pastor Campbell’s prayer on the Senate floor legal?

By Andy Birkey | 03.16.11 | 2:31 pm

Controversial Pastor Dennis Campbell gave a Jesus-filled prayer on the Minnesota Senate floor on Monday on the invitation of Senate Republicans. That speech led to calls by several of the chamber’s non-Christians to ensure that prayers in the Senate are conducted in a nondenominational manner for fears of violating the state and federal constitutions. Watchdog groups say those are very real concerns.

Acknowledging long odds, legislators offer anti-bullying bill

By Andy Birkey | 02.28.11 | 11:46 am

A bill that would direct school boards to adopt stringent anti-bullying policies was introduced in the Minnesota Senate on Monday. The bill would add disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and several other characteristics to existing anti-bullying policies. Minnesota, and in particular the Anoka-Hennepin School District, has been at the center of the anti-bullying debate after a spike in student suicides where bullying is believed to have been a factor.

Potential Paulsen challengers emerge

By Paul Demko | 10.15.09 | 1:59 pm

Freshman Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen is arguably the most vulnerable member of Minnesota’s congressional delegation. But so far he hasn’t attracted any challengers for 2010. That could change soon.