TO THE EDITOR;
How do you know when we’ve had a successful session at the Legislature?
When Senate Democratic Majority caucus leader Larry Pogemiller and House Republican Minority caucus leader Marty Siefert look like two angry school boys who didn’t get their way...
Governor Pawlenty, Democratic Speaker Margaret Kelliher and Republican Senator Senjem should be commended for their bi-partisan effort to end the second of two successive legislative sessions on time and under budget – something our state hasn’t seen in almost a decade!
I’ve contended the Governor has largely shirked his responsibility to represent all Minnesotans. There is legitimate redemption for him in the leadership he displayed in these negotiations – he’s earned our respect.
As the Minority leader in the Senate, Republican Senator Senjem understood the need for pragmatism and leadership in the face of needs and deficits – he’s gained our respect.
Finally, there’s a song that goes; “that’s right, the women are smarter”. This may best explain how Democratic House Speaker Margaret Kelliher played the pivotal role. Not only privately keeping Senator Pogemiller on a short leash, she very astutely understood the nuance in the tea leaves she was reading – she deserves our respect.
There has been a sea change. The heavy hand of caucus leadership politics of Senator Pogemiller and Representative Siefert - simply doesn’t work.
Which brings us back to March 4, 1861 and this quote from President Lincoln at his first inaugural; “This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people.”
Amen to that!
Wade Vitalis
Shafer
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