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OpinionShort session turned long, is finally overby T.W. Budig Itís over. One of minor accomplishments ñ the stadium bill merits note ñ derived with the greatest difficulties as politics and stubbornness combined to provide various studies of the dysfunctional. Whiling plugging the 2002-03 deficit, no real attempt was made at addressing the projected $2.4 billion deficit awaiting the next Legislature. Everyone had reasons for doing nothing long-term. The most repeated excuse was that no one can tell what tomorrow will bring. Thatís true. But certain patterns on the earth, such the rising and falling of the sun, suggest a level of predictability for those wishing to take note. Why was this a session so difficult? Gubernatorial politics has to be considered. The two leaders did not see fit to relinquish their leadership roles, though a saint in a similar situation could not divest themselves of their personal fortunes for the Larger Realm. Itís doubtful these able leaders were capable, either. But how Gov. Ventura fit in? The administration came out with a credible budget-balancing plan, though no one expected the Legislature to meekly submit to the Independence Party governor. And they didnít. Lawmakers marginalized Ventura and the governor did not improve matters by boastfully proclaiming his alienation with the political process taking place scant feet outside the Governorís Office door. Perhaps no one was willing to accommodate the governor. But when Ventura extends a hand to the Legislature it tends to balled into a fist. And the image of Ventura out recreating on the links last Saturday while the Capitol hummed with activity is lingering image and a little sad. The biggest issue of the session was transportation and the results were decidedly mixed. After spending tens of thousands of public dollars on PR and lobbyists, Northstar Commuter Rail advocates brought home from the Capitol a big goose egg. The project received not a dime of funding, and a strong sign that the tide was running against Northstar was when advocates began trying to sell the project as an economic development tool. This is a little like gleefully bringing a bucket of water to the ocean, a large part of the proposed Northstar route running through a corridor of explosive growth. This is a bit heavy handed, because a confluence of personalities and political dynamics worked against Northstar funding. And some Anoka County House Republicans ñ notably representatives Kathy Tingelstad and Jim Abeler ñ broke against their own caucus, provoking protracted debate on the House floor through their advocacy of Northstar. Whatever the last words are on why the initiative failed this session, the sentence must include House Republicans. Speaking of Republicans, they can expect to be mercilessly pilloried by the DFL this election season as the anti-transportation party. House Republicans simply could not endure increasing the gas tax and gambled that the electorate is more entranced by the thought of lower taxes than fresh flows of transportation dollars. Whether this was a smart gamble will be decide at the polls. And in traffic snarls. Quickly summing a few things up, Minnesotans can now celebrate the Glorious Fourth with sparklers and glowworms though firecrackers and rockets remain illegal and widely used. The proposed 3/16th constitutional amendment disappeared Saturday night though an anti-terrorism package was passed. And a biodiesel bill was passed ñ good news for the country. Passage of the stadium bill was historic, though whether the Twinsí officials will bite remains uncertain. A session that was anticipated to be short used up its reserve of legislative days. This was unnecessary, probably unavoidable, and provide plenty of political entertainment though leaving a spotty legacy. ©ECM Post Review |