The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Minnesota Democrats want Sen. Norm Coleman to produce his lease and other information on the Capitol Hill apartment “he has rented since last summer from a longtime friend and wealthy Republican operative.” Coleman, R-Minn., is in a tough re-election race against Democrat Al Franken. Brian Melendez, the state Democratic chair, says media accounts of Coleman’s arrangements suggest the senator “is getting a sweetheart deal” that may violate Senate ethics rules. The building is owned by Jeff Larson, a St. Paul businessman whose telemarketing firm has provided services worth more than $1.5 million to Coleman’s campaigns and political action committee since 2001. The newspaper says Coleman says he is renting “cramped space” from a friend and is paying fair market value for the basement apartment.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that as he runs for governor of Missouri, Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof hopes an endorsement from House Minority Whip Roy Blunt will help show that he is the “consensus candidate” for the GOP nomination. Hulshof faces an Aug. 5 primary against state Treasurer Sarah Steelman. Blunt, R-Mo., officially endorsed Hulshof on Monday. Hulfshof supporters point to endorsements from 68 state legislators, Sen. Christopher S. Bond, R-Mo., and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, to make the case that he has broad support. But Steelman backers counter that she has significant support too and has already won statewide office. Her spokesman said voters will decide the nominee, “not a few politicians.” The next governor will replace Matt Blunt, son of the congressman, who decided not to seek re-election.