Minnesota will be a busy place this fall. Hosting the Republican National Convention, possibly seeing one of its own as a vice presidential candidate and home to not only a contentious Senate race, but three Congressional contests, as well. Not to mention, experts predict it will be one of November's "swing states." To analyze all this is University of Minnesota political science assistant professor, and frequent national and local media commentator, Kathryn Pearson.

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1. Minnesota will be a swing state (0:00)
2. Competitive Senate race, playing field, strengths and weaknesses (0:16)
3. What Gov. Pawlenty as vice presidential candidate brings to ticket (0:32)
4. What to look for in a VP candidate (0:52)
5. Negative campaigning unavoidable (1:12)
6. RNC will bring excitement and attention to Minnesota (1:27)
7. The House race to watch (1:53)