Emmer to challenge Seifert for House GOP leader

Republicans in the Minnesota House will pick a caucus leader this weekend, and at least two legislators say they want the job.

Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, announced earlier this week that he'll seek re-election to the leadership post he's held for two years. But Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, says he's also running for House Minority Leader. House Republicans lost two seats in last week's election. Emmer says he thinks the caucus could use new leadership.

"There's always room for improvement," Emmer said. "There's always room for fresh ideas in a party that's been losing ground for the last decade. We really do need to look at ourselves, a look at the solutions that we're providing and what we're trying to communicate to the public."

House Republicans meet Saturday in Oakdale to elect their caucus leader.