Politics in Minnesota: The Weekly Report - Vol. 3, Issue 43 - 5/9/2008
The Countdown
Constitutionally, Session 2008 ends on May 19th - a mere 10 days away. Yesterday was legislative day number 113 of the allotted 120, which leaves six days in which the chambers can convene to pass bills (because no bills can be passed on the last day of session). At this point, the rumor mill says legislators will likely convene Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, leaving one buffer-day of either Wednesday or Sunday.
A few things to keep in mind. One, in theory, the House and Senate will attempt to cooperate with one another and coordinate meetings, because even if only one body convenes, it counts as a legislative day against both; Two, while legislators traditionally avoid Sunday meetings, in the past decade it has become a bit more commonplace; and three, Capitol insiders don't think the looming deadlines are causing much legislative concern, as the DFL dominates both chambers.
Both bodies are scheduled for Monday: the House at 10 a.m. and the Senate at 11 a.m. Our best wishes to Sen. Maj. Leader Larry Pogemiller (DFL-Minneapolis), House Speaker Margaret Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis) and GOP Governor Tim Pawlenty as they attempt to work out the annual, end-of-session agreement over the weekend.
Let's get 'er done.
Independence Friday
Hard to miss is the news that a rare 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence is in town as part of Minnesota's Sesquicentennial celebration. If you're reading this issue of PIM, consider yourself invited to view the Declaration, tonight, with fellow civic minded citizens at a party organized by DFL Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Hosting the event are the DFL Party, the Constitution Party and the Independence Party. Unfortunately, both the GOP and Green parties declined to participate, but both GOP and Green party enthusiasts are welcome. The free event is from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and parents, the event is kid-friendly.
Dolan Media Company is the Presenting Sponsor of the Declaration at the Minnesota History Center. Many thanks to all legislative, executive branch and public affairs world friends who attended the Declaration opening reception event earlier this week. Profound thanks to both House and Senate DFL leadership for recessing floor sessions so that members could attend.
Campaign Players In The 2nd Congressional District
Next up in our nine-part series about who is working Minnesota's congressional races, we find ourselves in the 2nd Congressional District where U.S. Rep. John Kline (MN-2) is looking to hold his seat and secure a fourth term in the U.S. House. Challenging him is DFL endorsed Steve Sarvi. Sarvi, an Iraq veteran, is hoping the district's changing demographics can produce an upset win in November.
Heading up Sarvi's campaign is Eileen Weber, longtime nurse and DFL activist. Weber worked as a nurse for 31 years and said that experience was what led her into the political realm. A two-time candidate herself, once for Washington County Commissioner and once for State Rep. in 57B losing to Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) in 2006, she understand the workings of a campaign. Weber was also a part of the University of St. Thomas Law School's inaugural graduating class in 2004, and has recently been working as a lobbyist for the Minnesota Universal Health Care Coalition.
While Sarvi was still serving in Iraq, Weber ran into Steve's father Al Sarvi. Shortly after Steve's return he decided to run for congress, and Al put Eileen in contact with him. Eileen realizes it is never easy defeating an incumbent but thinks the "current political environment will help." Continuing on the theme of current culture, Weber went on to speak of how the district has changed since Kline was first elected:
"Klobuchar won the district in '06 and there are now more DFL Legislators and Republicans...Steve is the right candidate in the right place at the right time."
The largest obstacle to victory Weber sees is the cost. Steve raised $61,000 in the first quarter and with over 1,000 unique donors, an estimated 500 volunteers, and party support, Weber is excited about the prospects for victory in November.
Unfortunately, at least half a dozen calls to the Kline campaign were unreturned.
Where's The Money This Week? Let's Just Secede!
[Consensus Thinking From Generation Y PIM Staff]
This week, which started out with tales pushed in the New York Post about the Star Tribune's 75% Avista investment writedown, has raised doubts about whether our parent's generation can manage the money. Every way we turn, it seems like America is the Bear Stearns Nation. Maybe it's nothing new, but the news that the powerful Wall Street Blackstone Group is coming in to work the Strib's books was yet another omen of fiscal disintegration. It seems like it shouldn't be that difficult to operate an established newspaper, or pay your corporate taxes. But we keep learning that accomplishing such tasks are seemingly impossible for our local gurus of politics and news.
The other big element of the week is the difficulty political professionals have these days keeping their books in order. Rumors of a big convention endorsement battle have been on the rise as Al Franken's disconcertingly weird tax problems expanded to become a virtual Reverend Jeremiah Wright political messaging disaster; recent polls told an ugly tale. Naturally, though, Alan Franken Inc. isn't the only organization with some rumples on the ledgers: The Associated Press headline cackled that the GOP looked "hypocritical" because of numerous bookkeeping problems they need to fix with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). (The DFL Party has had a few issues as well, but the FEC is much happier with their explanations.) MN GOP chair Ron Carey's Capitol press conferences just won't get the same news bounce until they've cleared their stack of troubles at the FEC, we'd guess.
There has to be a way out of this, a deus ex machina maneuver to bail us out of crumbling fortunes and looming economic turmoil. Fortunately, we saw a light at the end of the tunnel: As another session of the Taxes Conference Committee wound down this week, legislators lovingly shared the story of former mayor Mary Anderson of Kinney, MN, a tough Iron Ranger who led her city to "unofficially" secede from the United States in July, 1977. The memorable City Council resolution which went to U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Kinney, in Kinney, Minnesota, has decided to secede from the United States of America, and become a foreign country. Our area is large enough for it. We are twelve square blocks, three blocks wide and four blocks long. We will be similar to Monaco. It is much easier to get assistance as a foreign country, which we need badly, and there is no paper work to worry about. If necessary, we will be glad to declare war and lose. However, if this is a requirement, we would appreciate being able to surrender real quick, as our Mayor works as a nurse in a hospital, and most of our council members work in a nearby mine and cannot get much time off from work.
It was a pretty good strategy: for 'foreign aid' they received a squad car and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board replaced the failing water system. Anderson passed away last year, which the legislators lamented since she might have had a few tips to cut this year's legislative Gordian knot.
It's time to set the state's budget, and as relative newcomers to the Capitol scene, we're pretty confused about whether the powers that be will able to cut the deal in time. Everyone rattles their sabers, and this week's best example came from Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) and the governor's spokesman, Brian McClung. Murphy suggested the two take the transportation debate out to the Capitol steps. While GOP Senate leader Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) complained in writing about Murphy's curt remarks, we think it's a bit overwrought: the Capitol steps are a great place to debate! Especially with all the committees running, it gets stuffy in there. The oxygen level ought to be monitored: everyone knows the ventilation system is well below par, and grumpiness can only increase without fresh air.
Admittedly, this is a short-cut answer, but maybe Mary Anderson had it right. That Iron Range logic is so crisp and clear, it's appealing: Minnesota should cut out of the United States, declare our own independence. We've got the minerals; we've got some technology; we've got good relations with Canada and a lot of fresh water. Plus, we could set our own financial rules: that would let the GOP, Franken, and Avista off the hook!
Waltzing With Walleyes...And Style
[Your PIM Publisher asked the staff to 'think outside the boat' for a story about this weekend's fishing opener.........but Stravinsky?!]
If Igor Stravinsky had grown up in Brainerd and not St. Petersburg, his classic ballet "The Rite of Spring" would consist not of five select woodwinds, but the sound of Rapalas being casted over a backdrop of Lund motors. The music of a Minnesota spring. Boating orchestras will be convening all across the state and fishing rods retooled for this Saturday's fishing opener. For fishing aficionados, this year's fishing opener is the best thing to happen to the State since last year's fishing opener. Minnesota tradition requires our governors to officially start the season. This year GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be heading up to Breezy Point to partake in the annual Governor's Fishing Opener.
The Opener is a traditional celebration of the opening of walleye season, said to have been started in 1948. It's become more of a media and publicity event in recent years, as governors engage in informal competition with their predecessors to land Minnesota's first official walleye. The pressure will be on Pawlenty tomorrow at dawn to match last year's haul, when, on a cold Leech Lake, both the Governor and Mary Pawlenty scored with walleye, pike, and perch. The Governor has reminded us that he has caught fish on every single opener—compared to Wisconsin governors who've had poor luck on the lakes to the east of us. Pawlenty has also fared much better than Arne Carlson—who came to shore empty-handed seven of his eight years in office. On May 10, 1998, Carlson broke his streak with a small sauger, remarking that he 'harpooned it quickly' after being 'assaulted' by the 'vicious fish.'
With all the ice on northern lakes this spring, the weather is sure to be as chilly as always for the Opener. But how have governors past dealt with Minnesota's bracing spring weather? PIM certainly wouldn't call into question any governor's constitution against the bitter winds, but Pawlenty has shown up in recent years looking ready for an Arctic trek, in full parka. Compare this to governors past, who ignore these Spring breezes as easily as that lunker walleye sneers at your spinner rig. Gov. Wendell Anderson seemed to have stepped off the set of Leave it to Beaver in this shot, which could've been midsummer judging by his casual wear, famously echoed in his 1973 Time Magazine cover. Al Quie pulled 'em in as only he can, with a typical cowboy influence in his Spring collection. Rudy Perpich might've drawn on Robert Duvall's Col. Kilgore in 1985. Wonder if he 'loves the smell of walleye in the morning.' And Carlson, wearing U of M maroon and gold for the first time in public, was content with a classic windbreaker and aviators for the 1998 Opener. More recently, 'The Body' looked completely at ease, chewing on a stogie and sporting his SEALs cap.
While fishing successes come and go like the fashions of the times, the Opener is still a time-honored tradition that the Governor, along with our fishing community of over 1.4 million, celebrate as winter's coda gives way to the overture of springtime.
Bits & Pieces
Chris Truscott resigned this week as Congressional hopeful Ashwin Madia's communications director. Until a new communications director can be hired, please direct all inquires to campaign manager Jonathan Murray at (763) 544-3813.
We've been remiss in not noting that former GOP Rep. Doug Stang left the lobbying firm of Lockridge Grindal Nauen to join the public affairs department at 3M. Stang replaces Jeff Rageth, who was promoted to the position of 3M's vice president of public affairs.
The University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts' Center for German and European Studies will present a healthcare forum on May 19 and 20. Experts from many fields will speak on the challenges and opportunities in health care. The registration fee is $850, ($150 for state and government employees). Register at cges.umn.edu.
Reminder: Center of the American Experiment will hold its annual dinner on May 15. The event will feature special guest John Bolton. Bolton will speak on "American Business in a Dangerous World." For details, please call Devin Foley at (612) 338-3605.
Those inclined to get around the Twin Cities car-free—or those with suspended drivers' licenses—will have a great option during the Republican National Convention. Twin cities mayors Chris Coleman and R.T. Rybak will introduce a free bicycle sharing program that will kick off during the RNC. The program, called Freewheelin, will make available 1,000 bikes at kiosks and racks. Use of the bicycles is free with a credit card swipe or Freewheelin ID card, and the cycles may be returned to any kiosk in the cities. 75 of the bikes will remain after the Convention closes on September 4.
Gov.Tim Pawlenty has made several appointments to the Board of Judicial Standards. Three appointees are newcomers: Seventh Judicial District trial court judge Vicki Landwehr and Fourth Judicial District trial court judge Daniel Mabley. Patrick Sexton, director of legislative affairs with the Minneapolis Department of Commerce was reappointed to the board. All three will serve four-year terms ending in January 2012. The Governor also announced the appointment of five members to the Council on Black Minnesotans. Maurice Davis of 3M, Adrianna Smith of Target Corppration, Veronica Wirekoa-Fobena of KPMG, George Ogbonna of the University of Minnesota, and Maryland Rosenbloom a social studies teacher at a number of Minnesota charter schools.
Applications are now being sought for the upcoming Tenth Judicial District Vacancy. The opening comes with the retirement of Kim Johnson on June 27th. Licensed Minnesota attorneys who are residents of the Tenth Judicial District may request an application by calling John Hultquist at (651) 296-0019 or by email at john.hultquist@state.mn.us. Applications must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28th.
Wellstone Action launched a new "feature-rich" website which will enhance their ability to communicate with their volunteers and help build grassroots networking.
Forget Zogby, the best polling being done in Minnesota is at Custom Chocolates in Roseville. Janet and Paul Schimd, the owners, have been selling foil covered chocolates with the likenesses of the three presidential candidates. For only $1.95 plus tax, citizens can exercise their civic duty and vote with their stomachs. The poll, adhering to the most rigorous statistical standards, currently has Clinton in the lead.
U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (MN-8) along with the Voyageurs National Park Association, Koochiching Country Board of Commissioners and the City of International Falls, secured funding to bring back tour boats to Voyageurs National Park. After a decade long hiatus, the boat tours will return to provide one day park visitors the opportunity to take in the dazzling scenery Voyageurs provides. The $1.4 million, 49 passenger boat will have its maiden voyage in 2010.
The Blandin Foundation, a rural-based private foundation that aims to strengthen Minnesota's rural communities, announced a $750,000 grant from the Bush Foundation to preserve forest land in northern Minnesota. The St. Paul based Bush foundation whose goal is to improve the quality of life in Minnesota and the Dakotas though grants and fellowships to individuals, hope the partnership with Blandin and the Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership can save some of Minnesota's most pristine and ecologically diverse land from development.
On May 15th the Minnesota Trade Office is offering "International Market Research: A Hands-on Workshop." The workshop will help participants find the right questions to ask to determine of there is a market for their products in markets here and abroad. For more information visit the PIM Events Calendar.
Join WCCO Anchor Angela Davis and best-selling Minnesota author Lorna Landvik as the host "Lunch for Libraries." The fundraiser, at Kagin Commons on the campus of Macalester College, is June 18th, beginning with a book signing and sale at 11:30 a.m.
Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) will be hosting a reception honoring Congressional Candidate Steve Sarvi. The event is May 20th at the Lexington on Grand Avenue from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Other notable guests include Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), Sen. Kevin Dahle (DFL-Northfield), Sen. John Doll (DFL-Burnsville), Sen. Jim Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), and Sen. Katie Sieben (DFL-Newport). For more information visit the Steve Sarvi website.
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth VIP Dinner featuring WCCO's Amelia Santaniello and Dr. Cornell West is June 6th at International Market Square. The event kicks off with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and program. For more information contact Dre Sims at (763) 551-3921. This will be followed on June 14th with a fashion show and concert by Angie Stone at the Epic Concert and Event Center at 110 North 5th Street in Minneapolis.
A reminder: What is the worst political advertisement of the year? Well, you can find out at the "Second Quadrennial Worst Political Advertising in America Awards" sponsored by Growth & Justice. Hosted by former CNN correspondent Aaron Brown, featured guests include House Speaker Margaret Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis), Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel), Mayors R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman, Mitch Pearlstein, and PIM publisherSarah Janecek. The event is May 21st at the Pantages Theater at 8 p.m. For ticket information visit the Growth & Justice website.
Education Minnesota: Rally The Troops!
The Omnibus Retirement Bill (HF 3082/SF 2720), sponsored by Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) and Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), awaits House and Senate approval. The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement approved language in March and April. Murphy's bill is on the fiscal calendar for Monday. Betzold's bill is not yet on the calendar.
The largest lobbying presence during hearings is from Education Minnesota. They oppose articles 1 and 2 of the bill which is supported by the Teachers Retirement Association. The TRA worked in conjunction with the Minnesota State Retirement System and the Public Employees Retirement Association to craft a plan to address the fund's $2.3 billion deficit. To sum up the proposal, the three retirement systems are legislating that if the Post Fund (the pool where retirement benefits are paid out) drops below 80% funding, or two consecutive years of 85% funding, the Post Fund will be merged with each individual organization's active fund.
Education Minnesota will only support Post Fund legislation if Rule of 90 provisions are included. In the public school system, teachers hired on or before June 30, 1989 qualify for the Rule of 90—a provision that allows educators to retire with full benefits if their age and years of service add up to 90. For example, a teacher who begins teaching at 25 can retire at age 57 because they have worked 33 years (57 + 33 = 90). Any teacher hired after that day will be penalized if they retire before the normal retirement age, or the age when they are eligible for full Social Security benefits, but not to exceed age 66. Getting the Rule of 90 expanded was one of Education Minnesota's top legislative priorities this year.
Betzold responded to the Rule of 90 argument on Thursday morning as he presented the bill to the Finance Committee, saying, "Rule of 90 is not, and it cannot, happen." He explained that the Rule of 90 was abolished 20 years ago because teachers were retiring too early and living longer, thereby putting a significant strain on the pension fund; even legislation that would allow teachers to retire at age 62 will cost the state $60 million each year.
Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) authored Rule of 90 legislation in the House. Thissen's mom was a special education teacher, and his dad an administrative district office and school counselor, a background that give Thissen some extra perspective on Rule of 90.
"I know how important this is," Thissen said. "They took less money [to be teachers], but they loved their job and they knew they were secure in retirement."
Thissen sees Rule of 90 as not only an equity issue among teachers, but a workforce management issue. He pointed out that many teaching positions are getting harder to fill, and one way to attract quality teachers is to establish a competitive pension program.
Expect substantial floor debate on this issue as Education Minnesota rallies their members before the floor votes next week.
Lobbyist Watch
From the Minnesota Campaign Finance & Public Disclosure Board:
Morning Reports
