Around MN: Bachmann running; jobless in Grand Rapids

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Every day, MPR's Minnesota Today team highlights important stories throughout the state. Find more statewide news any time at www.minnesotatoday.org

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BACHMANN JOINS PRESIDENTIAL FRAY

6th Congressional District Representative Michele Bachmann informed her central Minnesota constituents last night that she won't be seeking another term. Instead, she's planning a run for the president. Bachmann made that announcement live on CNN during a 2012 GOP candidates' debate. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was also at the debate. Pawlenty declined to take on former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney over government sponsored health care despite prodding from the debate's moderator about Pawlenty's choice a day earlier to coin the phrase "ObamneyCare," linking Romney with the recent federal health care overhaul.

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MN ATTORNEY GENERAL PETITIONS TO KEEP GOVT SERVICES RUNNING

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is asking a district court judge to rule that some government services should continue if state government shuts down on July 1st. Swanson has filed a petition in Ramsey County Court asking a judge to grant authority to continue funding "essential services" like prisons, public safety and health care for the poor, elderly and disabled. DFL Representative Ryan Winkler says he believes the petition is more sweeping than previous requests. He says the petition seeks too much power for cities, counties, state agencies and other units of government.

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BY THE NUMBERS

Percentage of unemployment in Grand Rapids, MN: 12.3

Unemployment in Minnesota hovers around 6.6 percent, but Grand Rapids has a rate that nearly doubles that. The 12.3 percent unemployment rate is rooted in a steady decline of manufacturing and forestry jobs that have continued to leave the area since 2002 (MPR's Statewide blog).