More choice words from a Republican. Between Sviggum and Pawlenty, they've come up with zingers like "profoundly stupid", "squatski", and "dysfunctional". At some point they have to compromise and agree -- the further distancing of themselves from civil discussion is not a good reflection on their efforts towards a budget for Minnesota. Democrats aren't innocent on this point, I'll admit. I, however, don't think they are being as nearly as divisive in their speech where they are being divisive in the bills coming from the Senate.
I'm worried that this whole, "It's not worth passing bills that the Governor can't agree with, so lets just use his plan," viewpoint is getting out of hand. The transportation bill, for instance, wasn't signed. However, now that its had a chance, whats to say a nickle or nickle and a half (instead of a dime) gas tax increase hits his desk -- will public opinion have changed after people know what the veto actually meant? Will Pawlenty feel pressure to yield on this issue to make up for the years he 'roadblocked' transportation projects (Northstar, for instance)? If he still blocks it, there will, no doubt, be a campaign to highlight the failure of individuals to improve our transportation infrastructure -- oponnents will win -- and we, as a state, will have these improvements in time.
I'm not surprised the special session begain immediately -- after the veto of the transportation bill Pawlenty has to drop the roadblock image.
