Lawrence Schumacher

ST. CLOUD -- Like most of the  budget mess that has shut down state government, Gov.

In 2012, Minnesotans will face an entirely new political map, based on the population shifts and demographic changes revealed by the 2010 Census.

That map will define Minnesota’s communities, determine which groups vote together and which are separated by political boundaries, and influence which politicians can run for office in what districts for a decade to come.

Is Gov. Mark Dayton the only difference between Minnesota and Wisconsin when it comes to anti-union bills becoming the law of the land?

No matter what the result, Minneapolis' Public Schools Board of Education will look quite different after next month's election than it does now.