Almanac: At the Capitol

A popular bumper sticker from the 2004 presidential campaign simply stated: "November 2nd," signifying the date of the election and those displeased with the politics and policies of the Bush administration to change course.

Had that bumper sticker — and the election calendar — been in effect in 2006, the 2007 legislative session would have been decidedly different.

That's because the extra week in last year's election may have made the difference in this year's session as the gubernatorial outcome profoundly changed the potential direction of the North Star state. To be sure, as far as momentous media points in politics, Mike Hatch's media meltdown about the ethics of ethanol policy and reporters' loyalties doesn't compare with Ed Muskie's wet tears in the wet snows of 1972 New Hampshire, or even Thomas Dewey's rage against railroad workers that may have cost him some of the union vote and 1948 election. But as far as session 2007 goes, it still is the defining dynamic that resulted in near status quo.

Had Mr. Hatch won, it's likely the legislature would be looked at historically: Historically bad, of course, to many Republicans who would have watched taxes rise to pay for more state spending. Historically good, however, to DFLers hoping that Minnesota would regain its progressive position of investing in health care, transportation and education. The state would have been significantly different not only in 2007, but beyond, as the spending — and taxes — took root.

Instead, a stalemate that vexes voters and politicians alike now stands, as Minnesota again sits out any decisive action on the direction of the state. And it's likely to stay this way for the next several sessions, unless Governor Pawlenty tires to move from the Mississippi to the Potomac as a veep candidate for Senator McCain, or has other political ambitions. Right now, he benefits by emulating the sport he loves, as he plays defense as a goalie from whatever the DFL throws at him.

How the electorate responds in the future will depend on many factors, but the entire legislative grind may make it harder to recruit candidates from both sides, as well as those passionate about the political process, as voters may grow weary of the ordinary threats of special sessions, governmental shutdowns and little action in either direction.

So, the last few months were most affected by a few moments and a slip of the tongue — first by Judi Dutcher, then by Mike Hatch — that may be one of those accidents of history that may not only have framed Session 2007, but 2008 and beyond.

And after years of the legislature proposing and the governor disposing of new initiatives — including transit funding — there may be plenty of time to look for a new series of bumper stickers, including one supporting one party control — or a third party — to avoid a second decade of inaction.