Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, whose national profile has risen in the past year as a spokesman for the left, said that he will have a speaking role at next month's Democratic National Convention. He is one of five vice chairs of the Democratic National Committee. The DNC begins Sept. 3 in Charlotte, N.C.

It appears seven U.S. House incumbent lawmakers are winners in Minnesota: Reps. Tim Walz, John Kline, Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen.

Lawmakers, including DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and Betty McCollum, voted down a GOP proposal Friday to make federal deficits unconstitutional. It was the first House vote of its kind in 16 years and was a central issue of the Republican fiscal agenda.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte Tuesday night. His remarks are part of the build up to First Lady Michelle Obama's speech.

Minnesota Congressmen Collin Peterson and Tim Walz voted in favor of the $5.9 bill that would prevent the interest rate on federally-subsidized student loans from doubling this summer by cutting funds from part of President Obama's health care law. It now heads to the Democratic-controlled Senate where the plan is dead on arrival. Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline says the legislation isn't perfect, "but it will allow us an opportunity to continue working toward a long term solution."