tom emmer

While Rep. Michele Bachmann was the highest-profile catch for the “Appeal to Heaven” gala for the controversial You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International ministry (even though she ultimately was a no-show and sent a video message instead), another rising star in the local Republican party reportedly managed to make it to help raise [...]

Is state Rep. Laura Brod still mulling a bid for governor? The Republican from New Prague previously dropped out of the race, citing health concerns, but has long been rumored to be eyeing a return to the contest.
Earlier today, though, Politics in Minnesota reported that Brod is definitely out of the contest and speculated that [...]

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is putting on a clinic for what “multi-purpose” means, with the Vikings game tonight sandwiched between what was supposed to be the Twins’ last game at the Dome Sunday and an added regular-season playoff with the Detroit Tigers Tuesday. That lent an air of error to Sunday’s postgame ceremony marking the [...]

Republican state Rep. Tom Emmer is prominently featured in a front page story in The New York Times today looking at the movement to pass state constitutional amendments outlawing the mandatory purchase of health insurance. The article notes that ten states have considered such amendments, and lawmakers in at least four other states intend to [...]

When running for statewide office, it’s probably best not to insult a large chunk of the electorate. Rep. Tom Emmer, who hopes to secure the top spot in a crowded field of Republican gubernatorial candidates, has become known at the Capitol for his fiery rhetoric. His latest:
“I don’t think you can call yourself a freedom-loving [...]

She likes to kayak in Lake Superior. She’s been in a same-sex partnership for 22 years. And now Rev. Bonnie Perry, a Chicago rector, is one of three nominees to be Minnesota’s next Episcopal bishop. If she lands the job, her moving van would cross Wisconsin, which yesterday made domestic partnerships legal for gay couples.
Elsewhere [...]

A lawsuit filed against Secretary of State Mark Ritchie by the conservative Minnesota Majority and a handful of Republican lawmakers and activists was dismissed by the Minnesota Supreme Court on Thursday. The suit alleged that Ritchie did not keep voter rolls updated during the 2008 elections.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s announcement earlier this month that he will not seek a third term has unleashed a political gold rush among Republican politicians in the state. Minnesota’s current political landscape includes an eye-popping 18 declared and possible gubernatorial contenders.

For the first time in a decade of effort, medical marijuana bill is heading to the governor’s desk. Legislators added new restrictions to the final version of the bill in an attempt to assuage Gov. Palwenty’s concerns. But one legislator might have taken his opposition too far, as Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, offered a series of amendments many in the House found offensive.

The Minnesota House passed a $1 billion tax bill this evening by a 86-45 margin. All Democrats backed the measure, while every Republican opposed it. The bill would increase revenues in three ways: a new top income tax bracket for Minnesota’s wealthiest citizens, an increase in taxes on alcohol and a surcharge applied to credit card companies that levy interest rates higher than 15 percent. The $1 billion package was hashed out by legislators in a conference committee late last night.