The race for the Republican nomination to succeed outgoing Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty appears to be a close one between state Reps. Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. Now, Emmer has made news by picking his running mate: Annette Meeks. She’s a member of the Metropolitan Council, a political analyst for the Twin Cities’ WSTC-TV, and founder of Freedom Foundation Minnesota. Seifert had previously picked Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah as his lieutenant governor nominee.

Pawlenty’s reelection in 2006 was a rare bright spot for the GOP in a dismal cycle for the party. As he takes a turn on the national stage, the next generation of Minnesota leaders looks promising.