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The big question heading into this week is whether the 2012 legislative session is running off the rails.

 the civil lawsuit bills pushed by Republicans.  Dayton said it was "laughable" that they were characterized as job creation bills.

The move comes just weeks after Senate Republicans effectively fired one of Dayton's political appointees.

And it doesn't appear that either side is willing to back down on the rhetoric.

Gov. Dayton is scheduled to give his State of the State speech on Wednesday and it doesn't look the GOP-controlled Legislature is willing to give up the entire news cycle to Dayton's agenda.

A committee in the Minnesota House will hold a hearing on the release of a committed sex offender.  A committee in the Minnesota Senate will hold a hearing on that same day on a proposed constitutional amendment that would require people to provide photo identification to vote.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem said on Friday that  "

."  The comments come less than two weeks after the Senate speared PUC Chair Ellen Anderson, one of Dayton's political appointees.

Stay tuned but the rhetoric makes it look like everyone has their eyes more on November.

.  The next budget forecast is scheduled for Feb. 29.

 says the GOP is looking at amending the constitution to enact some of their pet policy dreams.

 takes a look at the GOP effort to cut the statewide business property tax.

 that they regret their votes to eliminate the Market Value Homestead credit.

 says Republicans are increasing their scrutiny on the release of a committed sex offender.  Three judges approved the release.

Dayton told a group of faith leaders that 

 says the members of the LCCMR asserted their independence after House GOP members attempted to fire the group's executive director.

 says the State Capitol is in urgent need of repair but budget pressures could put funding in jeopardy.

 to the U.S. Supreme Court and go to trial against a group of landlords that sued the city over its aggressive housing code enforcement.

Students held a Saturday rally to call for 

 (2013) in order to get a stadium done.  It's another sign that the stadium issue is 

 says charities worry electronic pull-tabs for a Vikings stadium could be a loser for them.

 says he's betting that higher taxes on top earners and spending on manufacturing and infrastructure will trump concerns over the deficit.

Weekend talks to extend the payroll tax cut have 

 his birth control policy for religious institutions. He said the new plan meets his needs.

 visits Lindstrom, MN and finds that even critics of the safety net are dependant on it.

 a federal program on immigration reform.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says she wants companies to consider 

" for not backing legislation that would end all U.S. contracts with Pakistan.

 in Greece after lawmakers passed another round of 

 says super PACs are preparing an onslaught in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.  Supporters and opponents of GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack are ramping up for this year's election.

Sara Severs, the official spokesman for DFL Rep. Tim Walz, will manage his campaign.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is fundraising off Howard Stern's comments that she's the "worst person in the world."

The Obama campaign has created a rapid response "

There are also questions as to whether Romney 

 Alice Stewart, Bachmann's former campaign spokesman.

The Daily Digest (Session running off the rails? Super PACs ramp up in 8th CD, Romney goes two for two)

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