Patricia Lopez

Voters who cross party lines on the same ballot could hold the key to a race’s outcome.

Franken, Coleman and Barkley blasted one another as audience members cheered, booed, hissed and even catcalled.

Republicans take some solace in blocking a veto-proof state House majority, while the Obama triumph should give Minnesota more influence in the new Congress.

Pawlenty unveils a new package of tax breaks designed to help the state’s economy and spur new “green” employment in the field of sustainable energy.

Today’s two-year projection could be as high as $6 billion; “every spending program, every tax has to be on the table.” The news will be delivered at an 11:15 a.m. press conference.

Pawlenty says state must do more than erase $4.8 billion deficit, but some will see a heavy cost.

Many share Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s dislike of business taxes, but his plan to halve them raises questions: Will jobs be created? How will we make up the lost money?

As the financial pie shrinks, the Legislature’s DFL majority is battling itself over what must be reduced.

Tim Pawlenty is on the road again, speaking to GOP groups as he tries to revitalize his party and his presidential prospects.

Gov. Tim Walz spoke with the Star Tribune’s Patricia Lopez on the challenges facing Minnesota.