[Speed Gibson,
Tuesday May 15, 2007 at 8:29pm]
The Blame Game
Remember the "Republican" shutdown of 1995 when Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton squared off? Newt got the blame, even though Clinton vetoed the bills that forced impasse. Elections were held, the new Congress seated, the bills passed, and Clinton vetoed them. Clinton held out for a better deal and got it when Gingrich blinked.
In 2005, Dean Johnson forced a shutdown by abruptly adjourning at 9:30 pm, apparently worried that the DFL leaders meeting with the Governor at that hour might strike a deal. It could not be more plain who was responsible for the shutdown, but the press found fault with both sides despite the obvious lying done by Johnson in explaining himself.
What can we expect this time, given the near certainty of another special session this year? The press will no doubt claim it was Pawlenty's choice, and for once, they will be right. Elections were held, the new Legislature seated, the bills passed, and Pawlenty is vetoing them. No matter that he promised as much in January. It will be his choice unless the DFL adjourns early again.
I'm hoping Pawlenty won't engage in trying to blame the Democrats. He's playing it surprisingly well (given 2005) so far, standing back as the adult in the room as the DFL children run wild. Any "no, it's your fault" rhetoric won't play. That's the DFL line, that the other side is "mean" and not compromising.
Hold your ground, Mr. Pawlenty, like you did in 2003. Special session or not, the DFL bills are so absurd that they will have to come to you.
In 2005, Dean Johnson forced a shutdown by abruptly adjourning at 9:30 pm, apparently worried that the DFL leaders meeting with the Governor at that hour might strike a deal. It could not be more plain who was responsible for the shutdown, but the press found fault with both sides despite the obvious lying done by Johnson in explaining himself.
What can we expect this time, given the near certainty of another special session this year? The press will no doubt claim it was Pawlenty's choice, and for once, they will be right. Elections were held, the new Legislature seated, the bills passed, and Pawlenty is vetoing them. No matter that he promised as much in January. It will be his choice unless the DFL adjourns early again.
I'm hoping Pawlenty won't engage in trying to blame the Democrats. He's playing it surprisingly well (given 2005) so far, standing back as the adult in the room as the DFL children run wild. Any "no, it's your fault" rhetoric won't play. That's the DFL line, that the other side is "mean" and not compromising.
Hold your ground, Mr. Pawlenty, like you did in 2003. Special session or not, the DFL bills are so absurd that they will have to come to you.