Pawlenty’s special-session offer drew no takers

"MN Governor"

10/05/2005

Mark Brunswick,
Star Tribune
October 5, 2005

After legislative leaders balked Tuesday at Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s deadline for their input on agenda items for a possible fall special session, the governor tried a new tack—inviting them for private talks.

The leaders’ unwillingness to select from a “menu” of priorities offered by Pawlenty likely diminished—but did not kill—prospects for a session on such things as new stadiums for the University of Minnesota football team, Twins and Vikings.

With the passing of Tuesday’s deadline, Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said the governor now wants a decision made by mid-October on whether to convene a special session.

Instead of submitting written responses to the Republican governor, House and Senate DFL leaders suggested face-to-face meetings with him.

Later, he chastised them for “avoiding making commitments” in a letter released to the media that also “cordially invited” them to talks in his office Thursday afternoon.

The letter specifically addressed DFLers, although GOP legislative leaders also voiced reluctance to engage in a protracted special session dialogue.

Senate Minority Leader Dick Day, R-Owatonna, putting the chances of a special session at no more than 25 to 30 percent, said most of his caucus feels blistered by gridlock during the regular legislative session and has no appetite for returning early to St. Paul. “Their constituents are telling them: ‘Don’t come back and we’ll see you in March,’ “ he said.

House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, said most of his GOP majority caucus also opposes a special session and is “concerned about being able to maintain an orderly process.” But Sviggum said that he believes several issues could be decided in a one-day session and that he would agree to public hearings beforehand.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, who has supported Gopher and Twins stadiums, put the odds of a special session at a more optimistic 50-50. But, he added, “It certainly would be foolish for the governor and for the Legislature to be called for a special session and not have the votes to pass any agreed-upon agenda.”

The 2006 regular legislative session is scheduled to begin March 1. Several of the issues proposed for a special session, such as a portion of Gopher stadium financing, might hinge on legislative action before the end of this year.