The Daily Digest (Santorum sweeps, Paul finishes second in MN, Walz says GOP working to weaken STOCK Act)

The Republican race for president got a little bit more interesting. It isn't so inevitable that Mitt Romney is the nominee. Rick Santorum made sure of it. Santorum won Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado.

Enthusiasm won the day in Eagan.

Ron Paul, who got second in Minnesota, says the result "opens up the door."

ABC News says even though no delegates were awarded on Tuesday night, it was a rebuke of the Romney campaign's belief that he'll sail to the nomination.

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Romney's campaign was left to explain away why Tuesday's results didn't matter.

The Washington Post says Minnesota dealt Romney his biggest blow.

Tim Pawlenty, who backed Romney, said on CNN that congratulations are in order for Santorum. Pawlenty wasn't in Minnesota for the caucuses. He was at a speaking engagement at Kansas University.

Romney's setback comes at a time when news outlets are starting to examine Romney's jobs record in Massachusetts. The Washington Post called it "unremarkable."

Race for Congress

Rick Nolan won a DFL Straw poll in the 8th Congressional District over Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson. DFL insiders in the 8th say they're surprised at how strong Anderson did on the Iron Range.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann didn't attend the caucuses because of votes in Congress.

Under the Dome

Faith leaders rally to defeat efforts to require people to present photo identification to vote.

The Star Tribune says Legacy dollars are being used to cover cuts in conservation.

The State Integration Task Force adopts a plan.

Same-sex marriage debate

A federal appeals court declared California's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

Economy

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke tells a Senate Committee to focus on economic growth now and cutting the deficit later.

Greek parties delay bailout talks despite EU threats.

Congress

The talks to extend the payroll tax cut aren't going so well.

The Washington Post has a good series that examines the financial statements of Congress. The series found that some lawmakers have steered funds for public projects to areas that are close to their personal homes.

It also says members of Congress are guiding millions of dollars to groups with ties to their relatives.

A Komen executive steps down.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says GOP leaders are working to weaken his insider trader bill.

DFL Sen. Al Franken introduced a courthouse security bill.

Politico says GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen broke with House Republicans on an amendment to the transportation bill.