Republican members of the Minnesota House are to gather tonight to elect a minority leader to replace Rep. Marty Seifert, who stepped down from the post after the close of the session.

Seifert, who defeated now-U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen for the position 2006, gave up the leader title - and the special microphone on the House floor that goes with it - in order to “explore” the possibility of running for governor. Seifert said it would be unfair to hold the leadership position, which calls for fundraising, while contemplating a run for governor, which demands massive fundraising.

Of course, several others, including House members Tom Emmer of Delano and Laura Brod of New Prague, are believed to be exploring the Republican nomination for governor.

Seifert, of Marshall, was able to hold the 47 Republican House members together and prevent any defections on the major funding bills. (There are 87 DFLers.)

Kurt Zellars, a four-term member from Maple Grove, and Randy Demmer, a four-termer from Hayfield, are believed to have the inside track for the minority leadership post.