The former Minority Leader Marty Seifert's staff has created a list of the "Top 100 Seifertisms" and we thought we'd share some highlights for inspiration to the new minority leader:
“When the waterhole shrinks, all the animals look at each other differently.”
Seifert at a 2009 press conference.“This would break Tim Pawlenty’s promise to not turn us into a cold Arkansas.”
Seifert responding to Rep. Phyllis Kahn’s 2003 bill to allow the marriage of first-cousins.
“You were voted off the island last year. The tribe has spoken. We will balance this budget without raising taxes.”
Seifert responding to 2003 DFL demands for higher taxes.“If you want to mandate things on the Catholic Schools, go into the priesthood.”
Seifert in 2003 scolding House DFLers who unsuccessfully tried to amend a bill on the House floor to require public school mandates on parochial and private schools.
“My specialty is turning sacred cows into hamburger.”
Seifert during a 2004 debate on budget priorities.“You are engaged in the Hannibal Lecter style of politics, by eating each other to fund your projects.”
Seifert on a series of 2004 amendments that would shift funds from other projects to the Northstar commuter rail project.
“Bureaucrats are always worried that somewhere, someone may be having fun.”
Seifert on his 2004 bill to overturn a ban on campers at the State Fair.“The honeymoon between Tim Pawlenty and Larry Pogemiller will make Britney Spears’ marriage look like a long-term relationship.”
Seifert in 2006, following the selection of Sen. Larry Pogemiller (DFL-Minneapolis) as Senate Majority Leader.
"The Governor's budget is like a homely blind date. I was expecting more when I opened the door this morning."
Seifert on the Governor’s first budget proposal in 2007.“Last year was like Star Wars and we blew up the tax death star and now this year it’s like the Empire Strikes Back. They over-rode the veto, and they got rid of Molnau. Heck, we could even find out that Pogemiller is my father. The elections will determine the next movie.”
Seifert in 2008, comparing the 2007 and 2008 sessions.
“I think we are all turning into bats. Legislators work all night and do nothing during the day.”
Seifert in 2008 on late night sessions, marked by little progress during the day.