May 20, 1999
Many people have criticized the Governor’s approach to dealing with the legislature. They considered he and his office to be fairly nonexistent throughout much of the session. Many of his proposals were broad philosophic positions, which were short on specifics....
May 20, 1999
The legislative session went right up to the midnight deadline. Outside of the Capitol nighthawks were putting on an aerial display swooping and diving for insects in the bright lights shining on the Georgia marble of our state house. The last-minute posturing was...
May 14, 1999
The hurry up and wait game that is played in the halls of the Capitol creates opportunities for mischief. While cooling their heels in the various committee rooms lobbyists and interested parties swap tales. The last item burning up the marble is speculation of...
May 14, 1999
U. S. Senate candidate David Lillehaug brings back boyhood memories of the radio series Chicken Man and it’s theme slogan “He’s everywhere, he’s everywhere.” Lillehaug will need some new shoe leather this election season since it seems...
May 14, 1999
Yesterday, the state Senate passed legislation affecting our electoral system. The majority of the proposed changes stem from the Growe Commission Report. Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-62, Minneapolis) is the Senate sponsor and Rep Ron Abrams (R-45A, Minnetonka) is the House...
May 14, 1999
There have been a number of theatrics in the various Conference Committees. On Wednesday, Rep. Mark Holsten (R-56A, Stillwater) and company were not even taken seriously by the audience when they came into the committee room and said that the Senate was negotiating in...
May 14, 1999
Earlier in the session, the House Republican Conservatives and the DFL joined sides opposing the Governor’s Deficiency Bill. People should not be surprised were that to happen again. There is little rationale for DFLers in the House or Republicans in the Senate...
May 14, 1999
In politics, it usually pays to play the good soldier. That way a person can be considered the “go-to guy.” This legislative session Rep. Phil Krinkie (R-53A, Shoreview) proved time and time again that he could get the job done for House leadership. It...
May 12, 1999
Rep Doug Peterson (DFL-13B, Madison) is interested in Congressman David Minge’s (D-MN02) commitment to follow through with his intentions to challenge US Senator Rod Grams (R-MN). He would like to encourage him so much that he is considering filing for the...
May 12, 1999
Now that the deal is done and firm targets are in place the Conference Committees can stop going through the motions of meeting for the sake of meeting. They have exhausted many hours going over policy concerns and non-controversial items while waiting for an accurate...
