ST. PAUL — Republicans in the Minnesota House are meeting to pick a leader.

There are three contenders to be House speaker when the GOP takes control of the chamber in January. A formal election will be held then, but the designee actually gets selected today in a closed-door caucus.

In the running are Reps. Kurt Daudt, Matt Dean and Rod Hamilton. Daudt is the current minority leader, a spot that normally leads to the top job after a takeover. Dean was majority leader last time Republicans were in charge. Hamilton is popular among rural district members.

A majority leader was also being chosen, with at least two members after that high-profile post.

The winner’s political skills will be tested against Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Senate majority Democrats.