state + local

With the prevalence of partisan politics in these contemporary times, I was quite moved and impressed by a comment that Amy Koch made about governor Dayton in another article: BEGIN QUOTE ***One of the first to contact her was DFL Gov. Mark Dayton. "He was very kind," Koch said.*** END QUOTE First, I was impressed that the governor reached out in such a kind way and second I was impressed that Amy publicly admitted this. Maybe there is hope that something constructive can be accomplished in a new session.

I do feel after all the GOP scandals they will be more willing to compromise. In addition Senjum is a better choice for majority leader he is more level headed and his personality it not so extreme right wing, flamboyant and he doesn't usually engage in inflammatory disrespectful dialog with his peers.

It will be interesting to see how Koch faces Minnesotans at the capitol, embarrassing at best. It would be best for her to just resign, the distraction of her sexual improprieties will linger through the legislative session. As for her thoughts to run again ... just go back to Buffalo and try to mend your family and run your "business".

This session should be no more than 60 meeting days. Get the budget done and get out of there. There should be no other work until there is agreement on that. And, after that there's little more work to do. Get back to you full time, regular jobs--and listen to main street Minnesotans.

Castle doctrine, constitutional amendment requiring voter ID,allowing the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis to control their cities' public schools,redoing the state's prevailing-wage laws,the "parent trigger",tort reform, $750m bonding (jobs?) bill and a vikings stadium. No way that this session is going to be peaceful.

I doubt this session will be at all amicable. GOP knows there is a good chance that power will go to the DFL this fall. As a result GOP will try to push every agenda under ALEC that they possibly can. Don't be fooled by any GOPer saying this is going to be a passive fast session.

comnewspaper .. "I doubt this session will be at all amicable" .... I suppose you are correct. I was trying to be positive but it makes me wonder what ballot initiative we will be voting on in 2013?

I don't see why a Viking's stadium should be a contentious issue. It should be in both party's interest to (just say no). Democrats and Republicans say they are against wasting taxpayer money, so, join hands, sing kumbya and and spend your time working on things the State really needs.

"You know," Davids said, "nothing actually has to happen." That might be for the best. I actually feel the same way about the federal government. Lock it down and wait for the election.