Commentary; Posted: 1/11/06
Political fray in 6th District mirrors state politics
T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
The new year will be a lavish one for political junkies.
Minnesotans will elect a governor, constitutional officers, a congressional delegation, a House and Senate. Exciting races are almost the norm.
In the governorís race ó presumably Gov. Tim Pawlenty will seek a second term ó establishment Democrats, Attorney General Mike Hatch, Sen. Steve Kelley, Sen. Becky Lourey, are vying against a wealthy, telegenic outsider, Kelly Doran.
Has the legacy of Gov. Jesse Ventura sharpened or dulled the publicís taste for blunt speaking newcomers?
And whatís happened to the Independence Party?
Businessman Peter Hutchinson is presumably the IP gubernatorial standard bearer yet all is quiet while the calendar unfailingly leafs towards Nov. 7.
In the U.S. Senate race, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, child safety advocate and icon Patty Wetterling, and veterinarian Ford Bell are all vying to take on Republican 6th District Congressman Mark Kennedy for a six-year term as U.S. Senator.
Again, an interesting race with the DFL scramble likely decided by a primary.
Will the DFL candidates chop each other to pieces along the way?
For his part, Kennedy comes into the U.S Senate race prepackaged with a quiver of practiced comments and explanations.
How will such a predictable candidacy fare when early signs in Minnesota ó recent special elections ó hint the political pendulum might be swinging away from Republicans?
Time and voter turnout will tell.
And what of Kennedyís old district, the 6th?
Here, the multitude of candidates are Republican ó Sen. Michele Bachmann, Rep. Jim Knoblach, Rep. Phil Krinkie, and businessman Jay Esmay.
In a way, the 6th District scramble resembles the DFL gubernatorial fray with an array of establishment candidates plus a newcomer, former U.S. Air Force C-130 pilot Esmay.
Which way will Republican delegates at Monticello High School sway the first weekend in May at the district convention?
Former Ventura Transportation Commissioner El Tinklenberg of Blaine faces no opposition for the DFL 6th District endorsement and on social issues uses language moderate voters may find soothing.
An exceptionally fine race to watch. (And vote in, if a district resident.)
But even before the election plays out, the Legislature will convene in March knowing its actions, tone, accomplishments and failures could spill over into November.
There is no way most lawmakers want a repeat of the last sessionís meltdown that left teethclenched motorists zipping past closed rest areas and bears forlornly inspecting empty trash cans in state parks.
No, most lawmakers want this session to unfold like a civicís lesson. Theyíll want to come in, act Roman and clear out. A projected state budget surplus should help lubricate the process.
What will lawmakers leave behind along with a few beach towels?
While predicting the actions of the Legislature is always a small study in recklessness, a few predictions are offered:
ïA Golden Gopher stadium bill will readily pass the Legislature, while a Vikings stadium bill will not.
In keeping with the spirit of the stadium debate, a small wager of someone elseís money might be placed on another Twinsí stadium bill being OKíd by lawmakers.
ïThe proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage will have a Senate committee hearing, be defeated, and not have a Senate floor vote ó Senate DFLers gained two seats in recent special elections and have a firmer grip.
Conservatives may focus on eminent domain and immigration as substitute issues.
ïThe increased Senate DFL majority makes it less likely gaming legislation will clear the Legislature. Gov. Pawlenty, after last yearís failed initiative, has indicated he may let gaming go.
ïThere will be a big bonding bill ó something approaching a billion dollars. Northstar commuter rail will get its additional bonding.
While on transportation, the Department of Transportationís proposed increase in maximum truck weights will be a hot issue.
So will bird flu. Especially if worrisome developments take place internationally.
At any rate, 2006 offers a delightful menu of politics.
Come Nov. 8, political pundits will pat their rebellious bellies and talk of the utter impossibility of losing weight.
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