The 2012 elections ushered in a new DFL majority in the Minnesota Legislature. Its fallout, though has ushered several members of Southwest Minneapolis' delegation into top leadership positions in St. Paul.

Last week, Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-61B) was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Now, according to the Star-Tribune, Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-61) has been elected chair of the Senate's Transportation Finance subcommittee. According to MinnPost, Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-62).

MinnPost quoted Hayden saying he was ready to "roll up his sleeves" to move Minnesota beyond "political stalemates." Dibble's elevation is also good news for the Southwest Light Rail line and other mass-transit projects.