Almanac: At the Capitol

A smaller government employees union is splitting from its larger cousin to back Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Republican Party was the biggest user of a campaign program he axed that gives donors tax refunds for part of their contributions.

Lawyers for the Minnesota House spell out in a 34-page brief why they believe Gov. Tim Pawlenty misused a state law to enact budget cuts without legislative consent.

After emerging out of nowhere over the summer as a seemingly potent and growing political force, the tea party movement has become embroiled in internal feuding over philosophy, strategy and money and is at risk of losing its momentum.

Mounting evidence that independent voters have soured on the Democrats is prompting a debate among party officials about what rhetorical and substantive changes are needed to halt the damage.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes the New Madrid seismic zone on the Kentucky-Missouri border. Communications go offline, highways are severely damaged, and there is not enough shelter space to house those displaced by the quake.

Property taxes would increase an average of 3.5 percent across Minnesota next year if local governments adopt their proposed levies, the state Revenue Department announced Thursday.

Even as he faces near-impossible odds of pulling ahead in the count, Doug Hoffman announced Wednesday night that he is officially revoking his concession from election night, and is accusing labor unions and ACORN of stealing the election for Rep. Bill Owens, D-N.Y.

Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher has picked up her second union endorsement in the governor's race.

Republican Allen Quist has declared himself a candidate in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, hoping to knock of Democratic Rep. Tim Walz.

The Minnesota Governor's Residence, which has been decorated for the holidays, will again be open for public holiday tours on three Tuesdays next month, from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 1, 8 and 15.

WASHINGTON — Setting up a historic year-end health care debate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled long-awaited legislation Wednesday night to extend coverage to all but 6 percent of eligible Americans and bar private industry from denying insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions.

The owner of a Byron driving school is considering running for the state Senate seat held by Rochester GOP Sen. Dave Senjem.

A longtime state senator is announcing his retirement.

A Democrat from Burnsville says he will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline in Minnesota's 2nd District.

Minnesotans have warmer feelings about their big-name elected officials than the radio and television talking heads who criticize them, according to St. Cloud State University's latest fall statewide survey.

If the 2012 presidential election were held today, President Barack Obama easily would defeat Gov. Tim Pawlenty in Minnesota, according to a new poll.

An ethics watchdog group said Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann misused her official Web site to promote a Washington rally against Democrats' proposed health care overhaul.

A Democrat from Burnsville says he will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline in Minnesota's 2nd District.

A longtime Minnesota state senator is announcing his retirement.