Almanac: At the Capitol

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann is headed to ANWR with fellow Republicans. She just appeared on CNN and said if we drill for oil in Alaska we can have "two-dollar-a-gallon gas again." When asked about the environmental and wildlife impact she said, it's "dark most of year" and there are "no trees" so it's the "perfect area" to drill. No matter what you think about her (and most seem to have strong feelings) as a media professional, I got to tell you she's good at TV. But the congresswoman seems to be avoiding Minnesota press in favor of the national spotlight. Bachmann has gotten a lot of press on the domestic drilling issue, but John McCain didn't seem to know much about her plan when he was asked about it at his St. Paul town hall forum.

A select few got to see the reality of a promise made to lawmakers at the Capitol many years ago. The promise was to keep one of the most coveted pieces of real estate in public hands: Lake Minnetonka's Big Island. The public park which Minnesotans once flocked to had been sold to private developers, but the last-minute action of a few politicians saved it for the public.

The governor's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Clark Dyrud stood on the old steps of the once grand entrance to the old veterans' park to announce the official re-opening of the park to the public. Veterans were on hand along with Sen. Gen Olson, former Rep. Barb Sykora, Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein and representatives for Congressman Jim Ramstad.

It was the first time in nearly a century that the historic boat the Minnehaha made the trip back to Big Island. It represents something little at the Capitol that produced big results. We included the history of the park and the boat in our series Almanac: Hands-On History, a clip of that can be seen on the August 18, 2006 episode of Almanac. It was nice to experience a historic moment and see the tangible fulfillment of a promise made to the legislature.

The love was everywhere. The love was bi-partisan. The love was coming from the governor to lawmakers, even DFL lawmakers. House Tax Chair Ann Lenczewski got an enormous amount of praise for helping making the whole end of session deal happen. Bonding Chairs Langseth and Hausman got humorous props too. Hausman who originally had her key project Central Corridor axed by the gov in the first bonding bill today said "we are celebrating and joyous." Of course the bonding bill creates the first new state park in 30 years, builds a new veterans home and starts a new transit line between the Twin Cities. Pawlenty noted that the "path was a little bumpy" on the bonding bill, but his strategy of line-item vetoes worked and many call it the turning point of the session.

Healthcare Chairs Huntley and Berglin (who could not attend) were also congratulated on a package that creates better affordability, quality and accessibility. Huntley said it was the most important bill in almost decades. The governor said it could create $7 billion in savings. It insures 12,000 more Minnesotans.

A couple of other notes from a fun and long news conference: Pawlenty joked that his vocal cords still had not fully recovered from his hockey injury. That could be an issue as he continues to stump for his friend John McCain, but his self-deprecating humor goes over well as always. He says he will likely veto the mortgage foreclosure bill that is sitting on his desk because it would make Minnesota "an island" and "drive up credit costs for the 89% of Minnesotans not in foreclosure." He will also line item money for California car standards from the budget bill because that policy language did not pass.

It wasn't always pretty, but this group of leaders proved they can lead. It may have been a deal cut behind closed doors, but they all walk away winning. The public and the press had a hard time getting access and information along the way, but this session will have delivered on all the biggest issues: education, healthcare, property taxes, transportation and the environment. That's quite a list for what's supposed to be a short bonding session. Gov. Pawlenty said “this process yielded common results.”

There were some sights many thought they’d never see. Pogemiller and Pawlenty sharing a hearty handshake (along with a few humorous jabs too) and the Senate Majority Leader and Gov. Pawlenty heaping praise on the House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Pogemiller said "the speaker of the House made this happen." Pogemiller even complimented Pawlenty acknowledging "the governor and I have had a challenging relationship over the years, but he was dignified, rational and tough."

Education and nursing homes get an increase. Property taxes should be reduced or at least not increased dramatically. There's the first new state park in decades on Lake Vermillion and a new mass transit line on the Central Corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Veterans get a new nursing home and tax relief. A billion dollar budget shortfall is solved. But the next budget still faces problems and next year lawmakers and the governor will have to face that.

Yes, that's Rep. Tom Rukavina jumping on the lap of DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. They were on Almanac: At the Capitol this week to debate a new state park on Lake Vermilion. And debate they did--finally! Frankly those of us who host, book, produce and watch local TV shows about politics have been a bit frustrated that politicians have decided to act too nice. They fight on the floor. They squabble in committee. They toss barbs in press conferences. Then when we put them on live television they decide to behave. Now there's nothing wrong with politicians behaving, but when they lack emotion and fail to engage each other in debate, they can fail to engage the voter.

Holsten and Rukavina gave us the best debate of the year on our show. It was clear from Holsten's comments that Vermilion is important to the governor, very important. It will no doubt be a bargaining chip in end-of-session negotiations. Perhaps swap Central Corridor for Vermilion? Rukavina has always been one of the best debaters in the legislature. His give and take with former Representative Pawlenty was legendary. Holsten being a former House member himself added to the fun and playfulness that made the show a blast.

Also, it was a treat to have former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger unveil his lifetime achievement award from the Parks and Trails Council. I always say there's nothing more endearing and honest than a former politician and Durenberger is truly a statesman. He gave a terrific interview, commenting that the annual or perennial sessions are a set back from the old days when he thought lawmakers accomplished as much meeting only every other year.