Almanac: At the Capitol

4:10pm

Republican lawmakers are not pleased with Gov. Pawlenty proposing closing corporate tax "loopholes" for foreign operating corporations. The governor said he's "delighted" to "join his friends across the aisle" in raising revenue from companies. Conservatives I've talked to are not happy, they still see this as a tax increase for businesses. DFLers originally proposed using the FOC money to pay off the deficit and do a bonding bill in a special session. The governor and leaders are set to meet Monday to discuss issues that they seem to have some agreement on now.

11:15am

The deficit is $373.

9:40am

The November budget forecast that will be released later today will show a relatively small shortfall — sources at the Capitol tell me it will be in the $200-$300 million range, which in a budget more than $30 billion is not a big number. That's less than 1% of the budget. The buzz at the Capitol is now the timing and PR from Gov. Pawlenty. Earlier this week the governor said to expect "bad news" Friday, but now he says the shortfall is "manageable." So the conventional wisdom is that Pawlenty warned people of a big shortfall to make today's news seem a bit better. Also the forecast has been moved back to a Friday, which is unusual. Speculation is the administration wanted to pick a day heading into the weekend when people would be paying less attention to news. It's ironic that the National Weather Service, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Transportation are having a briefing on the expected snowstorm at the same time the budget forecast is released. Can you imagine a commercial TV station leading with a budget forecast instead of a severe weather forecast? The budget is sure to be buried. I'll have a complete report tonight on Almanac, with details of the forecast and reaction from the governor and legislative leaders.

Senate Republicans want Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to step aside and let a deputy oversee the Jan. 3 special election to fill Sen. Tom Neuville's seat. Minority Leader David Senjem said secretaries of states "live in glass houses and that glass has been broken." Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), in his first press conference in a decade at the legislature, said he wants a fair and impartial election and he questioned Ritchie's ability to provide that not just because the secretary of state admitted to sharing a list with his campaign, but Gerlach said it was how Ritchie handled what happened after the allegations, that is changing his story. Gerlach says Ritchie is now "tainted." DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez said "this maneuver stinks of political desperation." He said Ritchie has been all about letting people vote and all he did was "misspeak" and having the secretary of state step aside for an election would create a "dangerous precedent." We'll get to hear much more from DFL and GOP party chairs when they square off live Friday night on Almanac.

And when it comes to elections, it looks like there could be a primary Dec. 18 or an endorsement battle on the DFL side. Mick McGuire the mayor of Montgomery announced his intention to run for Neuville's senate seat. Earlier today Anne Miller filed. And sources say another Dem is likely to get in soon too. It looks like Ray Cox will remain the lone Republican.

It's a big and surprising political victory that the governor and a Democratic and Republican lawmaker have struck a deal to give immediate help to victims of the 35W bridge collapse. After the bi-partisan handholding turned into partisan finger pointing, this is a win for everyone. Sen. Latz and Rep. Ozment both have a history of working with the other side of the aisle to get things done. So here's the deal that, note, doesn't need legislative approval:

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY, SEN. LATZ, REP. OZMENT ANNOUNCE PLAN FOR BRIDGE COLLAPSE RELIEF FUND

Existing state funds to be made available for interim support for victims and families

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty and the co-chairs of the Joint House-Senate Subcommittee on Claims, Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) and Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount), today announced a plan to provide near-term relief for victims of the I-35W bridge collapse.

Under the plan, which does not require legislative approval, up to $1 million in existing state tort claim funds will be made available to individuals who suffered injuries due to the collapse of the I-35W Bridge on August 1, 2007. Families of those killed in the collapse will also be eligible for funds.

Payments from the “I-35W Emergency Hardship Relief Fund” would be limited to $10,000 per claimant and would be based on lost wages due to physical injury or death. The Governor’s Office and legislators continue to work on a plan for consideration during the 2008 legislative session to create a special victims fund that would provide additional support for victims of the bridge collapse and their families.

“This is an important first step toward assisting the individuals and families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” Governor Pawlenty said. “We hope these funds will provide a measure of relief in the near-term while we work on a bipartisan longer-term solution.”

“We're doing our very best to do what’s right for the survivors, victims, their families and the people of Minnesota,” Senator Latz said.

“All Minnesotans came together in the aftermath of the bridge collapse,” Representative Ozment said. “Now we are making sure those on the bridge that day have the help and support they need.”

Those seeking funds will use the existing claims process that involves the Department of Administration’s Risk Management Division and their claims adjusters to process claims requesting interim payment. The Risk Management Division will consult with the Attorney General’s Office. Lost wages payments will be based on existing no-fault reimbursement process.

Payments from the “I-35W Emergency Hardship Relief Fund” would not be an admission of any liability and would not be admissible in any adjudicatory proceeding. Payments would be offset against any future recovery from the State.

Claimants can receive more information or file a claim at:

Claims Helpline: (612) 766-3920
Hearing impaired: (800) 627-3529
Allied Adjusters
I-35W Emergency Hardship Relief Fund
P.O. Box 583479
Minneapolis

It would be a bad sign if her colleagues didn't like her, but Terri Bonoff has announced an impressive list of endorsements including legislative leaders. I know her campaign wants to appear strong and in the lead and a move like this helps. Expect a 3rd District DFL debate in the coming weeks on Almanac, too. Here's the press release:

MINNETONKA, MN – Terri Bonoff has quickly garnered the support of House and Senate leadership as well as many DFL legislative colleagues in the third district, where she is running for US Congress. Today, Senator Bonoff announced that the following state legislators have endorsed her campaign:

• Senator John Doll, District 40
• Senator Ron Latz, District 44
• Senator Ann Rest, District 45
• Senator Linda Scheid, District 46
• Senator Leo Foley, District 47
• Senator Dan Larson, District 63
• Representative Maria Rudd, District 42A
• Representative John Benson, District 43B
• Representative Steve Simon, District 44A
• Representative Sandra Peterson, District 45A
• Representative Michael Nelson, District 46A
• Representative Denise Dittrich, District 47A
• Representative Linda Slocum, District 63B
• Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, 60A
• Senate Majority Leader Lawrence Pogemiller, District 59

“I couldn’t be more honored. My fellow legislators are community leaders and valued colleagues. I’m thrilled that they have stepped forward to offer their help and support to our campaign. Over the next year, and into the future, I will look towards the experience and counsel of my fellow legislators. I want to personally thank them for their support and I look forward to working with them to earn the DFL endorsement and win this race,” Bonoff said.

Gov. Pawlenty has set the date for the special election to fill Sen. Neuville's seat for Thursday Jan. 3. That is the day students return to class at St. Olaf and Carleton, so Democrats should be pleased it's at least not during the school break, which many of them were anticipating. But, I don't know how many students will vote on their first day of school. Gov. Pawlenty did tell me yesterday that he wanted to get this seat filled well before the session starts in February. If there's a primary it would be Dec. 18th. It's been interesting to me to hear the positives for former Rep. Ray Cox and his run to replace Neuville. His moderate views on gay rights seem to have won him some favor with Independents and even Dems. Many Democrats are telling me this seat isn't worth spending too much money on because of Cox's moderate appeal. But, he did lose his House seat, and I've got to think this is still in play for the DFL and they won't take a pass at an open seat in a potential swing district. Thanks to all my friends in the blogging world for the great links on breaking this story!

Speaking of friends on the web, I just got this tip on some DFLers that are likely to run:

Two people I have heard are thinking about running for the DFL are Jim Mladek and Tim Siebsen. Both of Montgomery and both have worked on eachothers campaigns in the past. Tim helping Jim in 2002 against Neuville and Jim helping Tim in 2006 against Laura Brod. I think either of these two would make a great Senator. The only problem is who will it be. They have a very close relasionship with each other.

Another update on another candidate who's officially in the race and has a website already: Anne Miller

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has named Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Dietzen to the State Supreme Court. It was a well-guarded secret (unlike the Neuville appointment). In fact, several of the Supreme Court justices sitting behind me didn't even know who was going to join them on the bench. Dietzen is a longtime personal friend of Pawlenty, who served as his lawyer during the 2002 campaign when Pawlenty got in some legal trouble. But the former Larkin shareholder was roundly praised for his fairness and impartiality, which he pledged to provide. Pawlenty says Dietzen "reflects common sense and judicial restraint."

In other news, the governor said "I predict bad news Friday." That's when the budget forecast is released. Pawlenty said economic indicators like oil, housing, mortgages, credit and jobs are not good. He says his legislative agenda will be limited and he was "satisfied with the results of last session," which included no transportation or tax bills. He said he was glad they didn't raise taxes because it would make the forecast worse. Economic forecasters are saying the economy is expected to go "off the cliff next year" according to the governor. So, expect some glum reports and legislative finger pointing come Friday...

12:32 pm

I think you're hearing it here first, former State Representative Ray Cox just told me, "yes, I do plan to run" for the seat Sen. Tom Neuville is expected to vacate today. Cox told me he had coffee this morning with Sen. Neuville and he encouraged Cox to attend Gov. Pawlenty's announcement at 1:00 in Faribault where the governor will appoint a new judge to the Rice County bench. Democrats I've talked with so far today say there isn't any clear frontrunner or candidate ready to jump into the race. Let me know if anyone knows some names. Of course, Cox lost his house seat last election to Democrat David Bly so this seat should be competitive. Cox says once you broaden the district out to the senate seat with more rural areas he thinks it gets more conservative. Republicans are hoping this special election goes the way of Sviggum's seat which opened up with another Pawlenty appointment and stayed in Republican hands despite a big effort from Democrats. Some Dems tell me they need to find more moderate candidates in these rural areas that fit the districts. But, it's still not a great time to be a Republican running for office. Also today, more big judicial news at 3:00 when Gov. Pawlenty makes an appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

1:08 pm, It's official:

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY APPOINTS NEUVILLE TO THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDGESHIP

Faribault – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Thomas M. Neuville to a Third Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in the city of Faribault in Rice County. The vacancy occurred with the retirement of the Honorable Gerald J. Wolf on September 14, 2007.

Neuville, of Northfield, is an attorney and partner with Grundhoefer, Neuville and Ludescher in Northfield, where he has practiced since 1976. He has served as the Dundas City Attorney since 1990, was the Lonsdale City Attorney from 1978 to 1980, a part-time contract assistant state public defender from 1985 to 1996, and a part-time contract assistant Rice County public defender from 1977 to 1985.

“Tom has experience with a wide variety of cases, has solid legal skills, a congenial style, and a strong commitment to his community,” Governor Pawlenty said.

Neuville is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, where he serves on the Elder, Family, and Criminal Law Sections; and is a member of the Supreme Court committee established to review the rules of judicial standards. He was a member of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, has served on two judicial selection subcommittees, as well as a task force on criminal sentencing and prisons; and has been a lecturer at continuing legal education seminars on child support laws, and legislative changes to Minnesota’s sexual offender laws.

Neuville is serving his sixth term as a Minnesota state Senator, where he represents Senate District 25. He has been a member of the Senate since 1990, is the ranking minority member of the Public Safety Budget Division, and serves on the Business, Industry and Jobs; Finance; and Judiciary Committees. He is also a member of the Northfield Rotary Club, and the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president in 1986-87, and was named Northfield Businessperson of the year this year.

Neuville, 57, was born in Marinette, Wisconsin, and lives in Northfield with his wife, Marilynn. They have five children, Mark, John, Anne, Luke, and Meg, and two grandchildren, Sam, and Lucy.

1:54 pm

I just talked to Cox again, who's really excited after the press conference. He plans to make his run for state senate official Thursday morning surrounded by current senators he wants to serve with in the "upper chamber."