Minnesota- Why can't the GOP get the job done there?

[sg0508]

It's been a fools gold state now for better than a decade.  Partially due to Nader's strong showing in 2000, Bush carried almost every county in MN and lost by just 2.5 points.  Then four years later, he was competitive again, but lost.  The Republicans always seemed a bit stronger statewide than nationally and they've elected several GOP governors and Senators over democrats.  Recently however, the democrats have gotten stronger.  Dayton has improved during his first term and looks to be on his way to a second term.  Klobuchar looks like she may have a job for life and it's looking likely that Al Franken (of all people) will win a second term.  So, the Republicans lost the statehouse to the democrats and now, both Senate seats.  I'm not sure who controls the state legislature, but I believe the democrats have gained strength.  Oh yes, Barack Obama re-strengthened the democratic margin at the presidential level over the last two election rounds.

MN seems like it's a very "white" state, which one would think helps the Republicans, but it hasn't worked out.  Any opinions?

[sg0508]

The Democrats seem a lot stronger now in MN than they were say 5-10 years ago.  Democrats have been winning many key statewide races since 2006.