There isn’t a lot you can learn by perusing the state’s annual report on lobbying activity in Minnesota, but here’s what we do know: Special-interest groups, organizations and companies spent more than $52.5 million lobbying the Minnesota Legislature last year. That’s almost $10 million less than they spent in 2008 and the smallest amount since 2004, according to a report from the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
by Betsy Sundquist
Published: February 24, 2010
Tags: Arne Carlson, Carol Molnau, David Schultz, Jesse Ventura, Matt Dean, Phil Krinkie, Phyllis Kahn, Rhonda Sivarajah, Rudy Perpich, Steve Sviggum, Tim Pawlenty, Tom Emmer
As Minnesota attempts to dig itself out of a $1.2 billion deficit, the 15-term DFL representative from Minneapolis came up with a plan that some say would save the state an estimated $500,000 each biennium. The idea: Abolish the position of lieutenant governor.
Speculation surrounds the probable impact of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision enabling corporations to spend money on express advocacy. Will it naturally favor Republicans? Will it mean more money in politics and therefore costlier campaigns? Perhaps, but other scenarios are also possible.
As state lawmakers ready themselves for what promises to be a contentious and trying legislative session at the Capitol next week, Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, finds herself in an unusually delicate position.
by Charley Shaw
Published: January 22, 2010
Tags: 2010 Session Preview, Cal Ludeman, David Schultz, Kathleen Gearin, Kurt Zellers, Larry Pogemiller, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Marty Seifert, Tim Pawlenty, Ward Einess
From election law battles to the state budget deficit, there's a host of bogeys waiting for lawmakers in St. Paul when the 2010 legislative session starts on Feb. 4. But the most formidable specter haunting the Capitol halls will be politics itself.
Minnesota will likely be affected by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down this morning that allows corporate spending in elections.
Mark Dayton's admissions over the weekend of alcoholism (including news of a relapse a few years ago) and ongoing treatment for mild depression could have been a preemptive strike against rumors that would likely have surfaced in the former U.S. senator's 2010 gubernatorial campaign. Or so thinks David Schultz.
