From left, Senators Geoff Michel (R-Edina), Brian LeClair (R-Woodbury) and Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley) congregate near the front desk in the Senate Chamber.
Photo by David J. Oakes

From left, Senators Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul) and Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) enjoy a lighter moment during a recent floor session.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Senators Pat Pariseau (R-Farmington), left, and Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont) converse in the Senate Chamber prior to a floor session.
Photo by David J. Oakes

The lead negotiators on the omnibus tax bill, Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.), facing camera, and Rep. Philip Krinkie (R-Shoreview), square off during a Tax Conference Committee meeting, Sat., May 21.
Photo by David J. Oakes

Senate conferees, from left, Senators Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), Sheila Kiscaden (IP-Rochester), Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls.) and Cal Larson (R-Fergus Falls) strategize during the final meeting of the State Government Conference Committee, Mon., May 23.
Photo by David J. Oakes

A pair of boots symbolizing casualties sustained in the war in Iraq-along with signs and newspaper clippings-are displayed in the Capitol Rotunda, Mon., May 23, during the last in a series of monthly peace vigils that started in January 2005.
Photo by Shelley Hawes