Politics & Policy
Minnesota proceeds with caution — and questions — as it complies with federal education law under DeVos
The new education secretary has sent mixed signals.
John Kline
Politics & Policy
Rep. John Kline talks Trump, the Freedom Caucus and how Congress has changed
“President Trump will learn an awful lot about what our nuclear capability is… It’s not something that a construction tycoon normally has, all of that stuff. So he’s learning.”
Party Politics
Former radio talker Lewis wins GOP endorsement in 2nd Congressional District
Lewis is set to take on DFL-endorsed candidate Angie Craig, though he may still face opposition in the Republican primary.
D.C. Dispatches
Gerson’s strong fundraising results mean the 2nd Congressional District is still anyone’s race
The Tea-Party favorite had a stronger quarter than many expected. And while some of his fellow-Republican opponents outraised him, their results were underwhelming.
Party Politics
How the GOP’s big caucus turnout complicates the Second Congressional District endorsement fight
With new party activists, the big question is one of commitment — whether they stay with the delegate process and show up when and where they say they will.
D.C. Dispatches
Where things stand in the Republican race to replace John Kline
The GOP field has been messy since Kline announced his retirement last September, but it may narrow soon.
D.C. Dispatches
What Minnesota’s representatives thought of Obama’s final State of the Union
In a 58-minute speech, Obama gave what several lawmakers described as a valediction.
D.C. Dispatches
Cuba, GMOs, and steel dumping: Here’s what Minnesota’s congressional delegation wants to get done in 2016
Minnesota representatives sounded optimistic but urgent notes.
D.C. Dispatches
With House passage of conference report, replacement of No Child Left Behind is all but assured
The law has essentially cleared its last major hurdle: it now heads to the Senate, where it is virtually guaranteed to advance, and the president has indicated eagerness to sign it.
D.C. Dispatches
Congress is very close to leaving ‘No Child Left Behind’ behind
The compromise bill taking shape restores a lot of power over school accountability to the states. But don’t expect testing to go anywhere.
D.C. Dispatches
Could a John Kline ‘caretaker’ speakership be the solution to House Republicans’ leadership dilemma?
Allowing someone like Kline — experienced, well-liked, and with a known retirement date — to pick up the gavel would give the House GOP time to sort out a way forward.
D.C. Dispatches
The Boehner and Duncan retirements might be just the excuse Congress needed to do nothing about education policy
Optimism reigned after the House and Senate each passed sweeping education overhaul bills, but finding a compromise between the chambers that’s palatable to the president may be a bridge too far.
D.C. Dispatches
In style — and campaign cash — Minnesota House Republicans are close to speaker-candidate McCarthy
In general, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is well-liked among the different wings of the fractious GOP conference, from moderates to the far-right Freedom Caucus.
D.C. Dispatches
Minnesota’s Second District: Where are the candidates?
An open congressional seat represents a rare opportunity for an ambitious politician, yet few have declared for Rep. John Kline’s vacated seat.
D.C. Dispatches
Fate of education bill rests with conference committee — if Congress can remember how a conference committee works
Conference committees used to be common for landmark pieces of legislation, but lately, they seem like the latest casualty of Washington gridlock.
D.C. Dispatches
John Kline won’t seek re-election
In a call with reporters, the 7-term representative said it was “just kind of time” to move on.
Eric Black Ink
Minnesota’s congressional races look sleepy so far
Pundits don’t see many opportunities for either party in Minnesota’s U.S. House races for 2016.
D.C. Dispatches
Is our legislators learning? After 13 years, Congress takes stab at reforming No Child Left Behind
As chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. John Kline has taken the lead on writing a replacement for the largely unpopular law.
D.C. Dispatches
Supreme Court’s King v. Burwell decision could give GOP opening to rewrite Obamacare
A ruling against the government would mean millions lose health insurance subsidies and give Republicans, led by Rep. John Kline, the best leverage they’ve had in years to make changes to the Affordable Care Act.
D.C. Dispatches
A ‘very, very rocky start’: three months in, Minnesota’s representatives rate Congress
Their perspectives range the spectrum from cautious optimism to resigned indignation.
