House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher's voice cracked as she announced the vote total. One vote to spare: 91-41. Democrats got their two members on board and the same six Republicans who voted for the bill joined for the override. It's the first time Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been overridden. Of more than 400 vetoes issued in Minnesota history, only about a dozen have been overridden. It is a very rare act. Afterwards Speaker Kelliher said "Today is the day gridlock gave way. It is a big day." She applauded the Republicans who made it happen and said they will not be retaliated against. That's in reaction to reporting that there have been threats that services and staff would be reduced. Minority Leader Marty Seifert said staffing will be a caucus decision and those decisions haven't been made yet. When Seifert was asked if he was personally satisfied with the governor's efforts, he tersely responded, "sure." That speaks volumes. You can tell Seifert was not pleased with Gov. Pawlenty's comments to caucus that we reported on earlier, telling members if they did vote for an override to do it on the first attempt.
Override React
Monday, February 25, 2008 - 5:15 pm
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher's voice cracked as she announced the vote total. One vote to spare: 91-41. Democrats got their two members on board and the same six Republicans who voted for the bill joined for the override. It's the first time Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been overridden. Of more than 400 vetoes issued in Minnesota history, only about a dozen have been overridden.
( categories: Taxes | Transportation | 02/2008 | Margaret Anderson Kelliher | Marty Seifert | Tim Pawlenty | Mary's Page )