A Flavor of the Revenue Forecast Press Conferences

The DFL leadership met with reporters at 2:00 pm in room 181 of the State Office Building. Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (DFL-59, Minneapolis) opened his comments saying, “Nothing exciting in the forecast.” He reiterated the fact the state deficit is nearly...

What Did We Learn in the GAMC Vote?

Yesterday’s vote to override Governor Tim Pawlenty’s (R-MN) veto on General Assistance Medical Coverage (GAMC) was a risky decision by leadership in the House, which was destined to fail on sharp political grounds. With a veto-proof majority in the Senate, the entire...

Can the DFL Lead?

When people look to Washington, D.C. they see the same situation there as they do here in Minnesota with one limited exception and that is the lack of a Chief Executive of the same political party. In Washington, Democrats have large legislative majorities just as...

Pawlenty Weighs-in with House Republicans

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) traveled to the third floor of the State Capitol yesterday to meet with members of the Republican House Caucus. He spent forty minutes discussing a range of issues with the membership, but mainly bolstering their support for his actions on...

What Did We Learn in the GAMC Vote?

Yesterday’s vote to override Governor Tim Pawlenty’s (R) veto on General Assistance Medical Coverage (GAMC) was a risky decision by leadership in the House, which was destined to fail on sharp political grounds. With a veto-proof majority in the Senate, the entire...

Midpoint for DFL Delegate Selection

After this weekend’s conventions slightly over half of 1200 elected, DFL delegates will be chosen. Better than a quarter of the delegates will be selected in the following districts: Aitkin, Blue Earth, Chisago, a portion of Goodhue, Isanti, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle,...

Colling Returns to Politics

Dave Colling returns to politics to become the Campaign Manager for Matt Entenza (DFL). Colling a veteran manager with DFL endorsement chops, Steve Miles for U.S. Senate in 2000 and Keith Ellison for Congress in 2006, leaves the private she sector to once again...

Capital Investment Conundrum

The DFL majorities need to understand Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) doesn’t really look to government for much. Yes, he did want to create a legacy with Lake Vermillion State Park and now he wants a place to park Sex Offenders. Moose Lake Hospital is his answer for...

Is the Republican Party Culling it’s Herd?

We have been one of the few sources to focus on the Republican Party political activity in Dakota County. This morning’s announcement by Sen. Pat Pariseau (R-37, Farmington) is not a surprise. We started paying attention to Dakota County politics long ago and in...

When Will the Budget Negotiations Begin in Earnest?

We predict nothing of substance will take place in the budget negotiations between Governor Tim Pawlenty (R), House Speaker Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-60A, Minneapolis), DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-05B, Chisholm) and Senate Majority...