Almanac: At the Capitol

It was a nail-biter, but the House passed the transportation bill 89-44, that's one vote shy of a veto-proof majority. I counted a couple of Dems voting no: Otremba and Lesch. It appears 6 Republicans voted yes: Abler, Erhardt, Heidgerken, Hamilton and Neil Peterson. So party lines went both ways. Democrats have to shore up their ranks if they have any shot at an override. I certainly didn't see the no vote coming from Lesch. Otremba was expected to be iffy and word has it she's been leaned on very hard from her caucus. Just because a handful of Republicans voted for this doesn't necessarily mean they would vote on an override. The Senate passed it at 9:30 tonight by a 47-20 margin now they'll try to get this to the governor's desk by the end of the day to speed its veto as soon as Friday and possible override next week.

Once again the transportation bill is a work in progress even as the House floor session begins. Sources say the bill has been rewritten again. Majority Leader Tony Sertich confirms "changes enough to garner additional support." That means additional support on the Republican side of the aisle that they need for and override. Minority Leader Marty Seifert said there have been "threats, buying off and bullying." That bullying is not just happening across the aisle but also inside DFL and GOP caucus. The debate may go rather quickly after all, Republicans have less than a dozen amendments planned.

The latest word is that the change is lowering the metro sales tax from 1/2 cent to a 1/4 cent to get the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's support along with some more Republicans.

This image shows you the day reporters are ready for on a long transportation debate. The Crock Pots and snacks are lined up in the press room for a Jackalfeast as we prepare for lawmakers big vote on the House and Senate floors. The arm-twisting and bone-cracking has been harsh on both sides. Democrats are pushing a handful of Republicans to come on board for an override and Republicans are trying to close ranks to sustain a veto. Gov. Pawlenty visited the closed-door House Republican caucus last night to remind them of his desire to have his veto sustained. Afterwards he said he will not be overridden. Of course today is just the first floor vote, the veto could come in the next few days. Gov. Pawlenty tends to act quickly on vetoes so we could see it as early as tomorrow. That means a possible override next week. Leaders want to get an override going before the grim news arrives on Thursday on a growing budget shortfall. Last night on Almanac: At the Capitol Senate Minority Leader David Senjem said the deficit could be $800-900 million dollars. Lawmakers are trying to push through any big spending plans before Thursday's February Forecast.