Almanac: At the Capitol

But fear not, political watchers — all is not lost!

As the 2007 legislative session moves inexorably onward, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty and his DFL colleagues in the Legislature find themselves at loggerheads on an increase in the gas tax to fund transit projects as well as a bill to allow domestic partnership benefits for state employees in same-sex relationships.

Politically, Governor Pawlenty has no good reason to think twice about vetoing both bills — AFSCME and gay rights organizations have already tried to unseat him, and he has long claimed the mantle of anti-tax crusader. The question is, does Pawlenty have a rational, as opposed to political, reason to sign these bills?

For all the bloviation of the anti-tax-at-all-costs crowd, increasing the state gas tax by ten cents per gallon doesn't hurt Marty Seifert's friend Joe Sixpack too badly at the pump: On a purchase of 15 gallons, this means an extra $1.50 per purchase. When those 15 gallons already cost over $35, it simply isn't that big an increase. Given that the people most likely to be upset by a different frame — that of "increasing the gas tax by 50%" are on the fringe of the Republican Party's right wing, is it reasonable to ask Governor Pawlenty if his national aspirations dictate a move to the middle on this issue? Perhaps to bolster his credentials on transportation issues?

The same goes for domestic partner benefits. In neither of the Governor's two statewide victories did he get especially close to 50% of the vote. Whether he's on the GOP presidential ticket as John McCain's VP candidate or simply seeking to deliver Minnesota to the Arizona Senator's Win column, the Governor simply does not and will not have the pull with Minnesotan voters to deliver the state to any candidate as long as he espouses a hard-right stance on social issues.

Note that these issues don't even touch on the solid, common-sense reasons to support these initiatives on their merits. Is it really so much to ask that a Governor governs for all his constituents, and not just a radical conservative fringe?

A brilliant editorial ran in last week’s Pope County Tribune that almost perfectly expressed how I feel about the current GOP leadership down at the capitol. The piece was titled "Take a deep breath, Rep. Seifert." and I'd like to take a moment to echo that very same sentiment.

With staggeringly wide DFL majorities in both the State House and the State Senate, the GOP leadership has found itself in the tricky position of being forced to talk about substantive issues. Unlike his predecessor, the new House Majority leader, Rep. Tony Sertich, seems to be determined to forge a legislative path that closely follows the desires of Minnesotans.

Healthcare, education, property tax relief, and the environment—these are no longer the ignored interests of people across this great state; they are the guiding interests of the DFL-controlled legislature. Just yesterday the House introduced an education plan that would increase funding for our schools by $919 million while simultaneously offering property tax relief. Moreover, the bill gives property tax relief to 90% of Minnesotans without raising the income tax of 90% of Minnesotans a dime. What is the GOP's response to this masterfully crafted legislation? Get the Veto pen ready, Governor!

The truth is that the GOP leadership at the capitol isn't comfortable tackling real issues because they know that in Minnesota Republicans don't win on the issues. Prior to the 2006 elections it seemed that all we heard from the State Legislature had to do with Marriage Amendments, Abortion Rights, and Conceal and Carry—in short, divisive and distracting issues. But in November the people of Minnesota clearly and resoundingly sent a message to the capitol: we want a change!

So, after November the newly elected DFL legislature accepted the call of the people and refocused the energy of the capitol on the issues that they had been sent there to deal with. And for a moment it looked as though Tim Pawlenty and the GOP leadership in the legislature might actually follow along. But boy, was the honeymoon short. Now we have a Governor that is more focused on the waning campaign of a Septuagenarian than Joe Minnesota, and a Minority Leader in the House that seems to take more pride in his own witless one-liners than his voting record. Alas.

Whether or not the bold new DFL legislative agenda, one that follows the will of Minnesotans, will ultimately fall to the Governor's veto should not be a consideration just yet. DFLers need to continue to focus on the bread and butter issues that will help restore this state to its former stature. For if state Republicans and the Governor choose to continue to stand in the way of progress, I certainly won't feel bad reminding the people of Minnesota about their lack of vision come November of 2008, 2010 and beyond.

• Passed tax relief for teachers, parents and veterans on a bipartisan vote of 132-0
• Passed a nation-leading renewable energy standard on a bipartisan vote of 123-10
• Passed funding for the environment and conservation on a bipartisan vote 121-6
• Passed a historic transportation bill that will invest in new roads and transit, which will improve safety and reduce congestion on a bipartisan vote
• Announced a budget plan that would invest in All-Day Every-Day Kindergarten, comprehensive health care starting with our kids, and permanently reduce property taxes for every Minnesotan.

While I look forward to his one-liners each day, lately I'm never quite sure which direction the minority leader is headed. One day he says we're not working hard enough, the next day he doesn't want to work at all. Now he's trying to handicap the field for the 2008 election?

Minnesota just finished the 2006 campaign season. Now, it's the season to work on what the voters elected us to do. We need to focus on the real work, not the partisan rhetoric.

I think the best way stop these wild swings back and forth for control of the Minnesota House is just focus on the work we have before us. After all, that is what we all have in common.