Minnesota Fantasy Legislature—Minnesota Public Radio's popular online game that helps citizens navigate the legislative process—returns for the Minnesota Legislature's 2008 session with an easier registration process, more capacity for participation and leagues designated specifically for classrooms.

Based on the popular "fantasy baseball" model, Minnesota Fantasy Legislature allows players to draft a team of six legislators. Throughout the 2008 session, points are awarded based on real-life happenings at the Minnesota Legislature, with a minimum of one point for bill sponsorship and a maximum of 100 points if a bill is overridden by a gubernatorial veto. At the end of the session, the winning player earns bragging rights and the profound respect of his or her peers—at least until the 2009 session begins.

It may seem like an exercise in political geekery, but last year's wildly successful Minnesota Fantasy Legislature—the first game of its kind—garnered national media attention. This year, Minnesota Fantasy Legislature boasts a revamped Web site with easier online registration and colorful team profiles. And with team names like Phill and the Busters, Whig'n Out and Falcons of Justice, the registered players, or "managers," demonstrate just as much personal style as political savvy.

But Minnesota Fantasy Legislature is much more than an amusing online distraction, explains 2008 game commissioner Michael Marchio. It also has the potential to be a powerful educational tool.

"It might even help people understand the seemingly Byzantine process of legislating," says Marchio. "We think that's a good thing. If you have some fun in the process, all the better."

Best of all, players don't even have to be of legal voting age to participate.

"This year, we have the ability to create new leagues that are open only to schools and educational institutions," adds Marchio, who strongly encourages students and teachers to get in on the political action. But regardless of their age, players can't help but take away a deeper understanding of the legislative process.

To register to play Minnesota Fantasy Legislature, visit www.mpr.org and click on the Fantasy Legislature icon. Slots are available until 3 p.m. on Feb. 11; both the "real" and "fantasy" legislative sessions kick off on Feb. 12.

Minnesota Public Radio® operates a 37-station radio network serving virtually all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states and produces programming for radio, Internet and face-to-face audiences. Programs produced by Minnesota Public Radio, operating as American Public Media,™ reach 14.6 million listeners nationwide each week. Of those, more than 800,000 listen regionally, in Minnesota and surrounding states. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be obtained at www.mpr.org and www.americanpublicmedia.org.

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Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc., Nationwide and PSA data. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2006/Fall 2006 average