You disagree with my health care policy? Let's settle it at the lanes!

Posted at 12:15 PM on February 8, 2007 by Tom Scheck

Some breaking news developed on the floor of the Minnesota Senate today. Governor Pawlenty and the four caucus leaders are going bowling this afternoon.

And like any good Senate debate, the rhetoric got hot.

Here's GOP Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem's trash talk to DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller:

"We're pretty good. We have been practicing. I can tell you that. The balls are polished and the shoes are ready and we look forward to this match. I'm not sure what the wager is going to be and we shouldn't wager on the Senate floor but I suspect as this thing unfolds, there will be some contests. 23 members taking on 44 -- today we're going to do it. Today we're going to be the majority so you just need to know that Mr. Majority Leader."

Oh no he didn't!

Here's Pogey's response:

"Well Senate Senjem, the team that's been put together is myself, Senator Clark, Senator Seiben, Saltzman, Metzen, Larsen and Sparks, I believe that on that team we have two that actually own a ball and shoes. And we have four or five who haven't done this for 25 years."

Take that sucka!

Pogey then said that the governor asked for the legislative caucuses to put together a few teams.

"I don't believe this is a media event. It's really meant to be an opportunity for some bonding socially."

It's a media event now.

UPDATE: Tim Pugmire came back from the event. The governor told him that he organized it because "Those who bowl together legislate well together." He also added that "It's hard to be jerks to each other if you hang out a little bit."

The photo shows Pawlenty with Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, Sen. Katie Sieben, DFL-Newport, and DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher. Looks like they're having a good time!

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