Almanac: At the Capitol

At the State Republican Convention Governor Tim Pawlenty just challenged the Republican Party to have broad appeal and reach out. He told the story of his working class siblings who are all Democrats. And when he pointed out how they had common ground on many issues like education, healthcare and security, he asked them why they weren't Republicans and they said "they're not for the working people." Pawlenty said that "shows the perception we've got to get over." He said Republicans have not done as good a job of making meaningful connections with voters. The New York Times' David Brooks labeled Pawlenty the "godfather of Sam's Club conservatism" and his message today certainly speaks to that. We talked to all of Pawlenty's siblings all at one time he first ran for office, here's part of those profiles.

Pawlenty seemed relaxed and confident, speaking from the hip which he does well. He made a case for his "friend John McCain" and reminded the convention about McCain's service to country telling the story of the prisoner of war stitching an American flag in captivity. He told the convention which has been feisty and divided because of the Ron Paul issue "when the gavel comes down we have to unite."

We just captured the only images of a physical altercation between a McCain and Paul supporter on the convention floor. There has been serious tension between the camps all day, unlike I've seen at a convention. We will have the video tonight on Almanac.

John McCain supporters are passing out red hats. But so far there were only about a dozen takers. There is a strong libertarian mood on the floor. Ron Paul had a big rally earlier and lots of delegates have told me they really enjoyed my Jesse Ventura interview. Ventura had some harsh words for Norm Coleman, but some of Ron Paul's supporters questioned some of Coleman's votes today. It's new to see some dissention in a GOP that has been so disciplined in the past, especially when it comes to uniting behind one candidate early. One delegate just said, "I didn't know we had a dictatorship." Another delegate added, "They want us to shut up and take it." Party Chair Ron Carey responded, "We cannot run the party if we have rogues."

Ron Paul's revolution hit Rochester early this morning as well over 100 supporters rallied outside the State Republican Convention. Paul was denied the podium inside but kept the faithful engaged, inspired and entertained with his anti-tax anti-war libertarian message. It was the first time I've covered Paul in person and he seemed warm, funny and real. He has some real support here too.

It is a tale of two cities here at the Republican State Convention in Rochester. There's the TVland and the rest of press row. On the TV risers for the start of the convention we are the only station here. Now I know the main news is Sen. Coleman's endorsement later this afternoon. But the contrast to the other mediums is striking. The print, blogger, radio row is packed. As one print reporter just said "it's crowded." It's too bad TV stations aren't spending the time and effort to be here. It's my medium and I feel bad this is the reality. The issue of the Ron Paul delegates is being discussed now. I know there were some cameras at Paul's rally earlier. I've just never been so lonely at a state convention and it's becoming a running joke for the delegates walking by.

A handful of Republicans got called into Gov. Tim Pawlenty's office to try to get a handle on the hot potato of REAL ID. Minority Leader Seifert says the governor has vetoed REAL ID along with an education bill. Pawlenty is talking to some of his fellow Republicans who could be override candidates behind closed doors. We had the story tonight of the executive order Pawlenty has proposed on REAL ID with what he apparently sees as some compromise language. Opponents of REAL ID do not see a compromise, they don't want any part of the federal mandate. They think Pawlenty has vetoed a REAL ID opt-out because of presidential candidate John McCain's support of it. Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee oppose it along with the Democratic candidates. Sen. Mee Moua said Pawlenty's vice presidential ambitions are getting in the way of his governing. The question for some of the lawmakers in the "woodshed" depends on when he issues the executive order, before or after an override. Lawmakers are questioning if the executive action is constitutional since it could undo a legislative action. The Senate is poised to override and the question is the House.

***Saturday update: Gov. Pawlenty has issued an executive order delaying the implementation until June 1, 2009 unless the legislature does otherwise. That detail is the new development from the draft we revealed on Almanac. Opponents of REAL ID who were interested in overriding Pawlenty's veto of the opt-out wanted at least a delay. They didn't think the draft went far enough. The question is if this executive action goes far enough to stave off an override.