February 4, 2010 - Legislative Report #2

Opening Day of Minnesota Session

A campaign volunteer and I spent today at the Capitol. Unable to find a close parking spot, I parked in a lot several blocks from the Capitol. I wore my campaign jacket; and many folks looked, or in some cases, stared at the coat. One house press photographer even took a close-up photo of the statement: "The Constitution is not a suggestion."  We located a seating spot in the House gallery above the Republican section, and the House came to order. The only uncalled for comment came when majority leader took a verbal shot at Pawlenty when speaking. The balance of the 35 minute session was civil.

An observation I had between this opening session and last year's is that last year all sides were excited to roll up their sleeves and begin making progress. Last year the legislators in charge made promises with taxpayers' resources to so many groups, while shifting obligations into future years and expecting a huge revenue increase as the economy expanded. This year there seemed to be an elevated level of despair. The proverbial chicken has come home to roost in St. Paul. The mood is subdued and the finger pointing will start tonight in conference committee meetings.

Of course, a variety of groups seeking special privilege and money from the pot at the end of the taxpayer pocket protested in the rotunda. In addition, the homosexual lobby with their "Marriage is a constitutional right" signage stood just outside the House floor entry. Curious, I still cannot find marriage or homosexual any place in our Constitution. As was the case last year, sadly I noticed no opponents of homosexual marriage were present.