Capitol View: May 28, 2010 Archive

MN House delegation split on DADT repeal

Posted at 6:11 AM on May 28, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House, U.S. House

The Minnesota members of the U.S. House of Representatives split their votes on an amendment that would repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law.

The House voted 234 - 194 to repeal a provision that prohibits openly gay people from serving in the military. The roll call shows that every Republican and one Democrat in Minnesota voted against the measure.

Critics say Congress should wait for a military review of the system be done first.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz defended his vote on the House floor (watch video here). Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann tells the St. Cloud Times that DADT has worked well.

Here's the Roll Call:

Democrats voting Yes:
Rep. Tim Walz
Rep. Betty McCollum
Rep. Keith Ellison
Rep. Jim Oberstar

Republicans voting Yes
None

Democrats voting No
Rep. Collin Peterson

Republicans voting No
Rep. Erik Paulsen
Rep. John Kline
Rep. Michele Bachmann

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Pawlenty's term: 96 vetoes

Posted at 10:17 AM on May 28, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, MN Legislature, Tim Pawlenty

Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty took final action on the bills sent to him in the 2010 legislative session. He completed the session with 18 vetoes and barring a special legislative session, it's more than likely Pawlenty will finish his two terms as governor with 96 vetoes. He also line-item vetoed 27 bills.

Here's a recap of some of the more memorable vetoes:

He vetoed several bills that would have raised the income tax on top earners.

He vetoed several bills that would have created a statewide health insurance pool for teachers.

He vetoed a bill that would have legalized medical marijuana.

He vetoed a bill that would have created a state poet laureate.

He vetoed a bill that would have raised the gas tax, license tab fees and created a metro area sales tax to pay for transportation projects.

He vetoed a legislative resolution urging Congress to end trade, financial, and travel restrictions to Cuba.

He vetoed a bill that would have increased the minimum wage.

He vetoed a bill that would have increased fees on notaries.

The Legislature made five attempts to override Pawlenty's vetoes. Lawmakers were successful once on the transportation funding bill.

You can read all of the vetoes from Pawlenty and other governors from the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

For your viewing pleasure...

Posted at 3:35 PM on May 28, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Tim Pawlenty, U.S. House, U.S. Senate

Here's a look at this weekend's public policy shows..

TPT's Almanac:
This week on Almanac Eric and Cathy chat with photographer Doug Ohman and writer Chris Niskanen about their new state park book, Mary Lahammer and a special guest do some live grilling on 4th Street and a couch full of political scientists will take a look back at the week of Lt. Governor announcements.

KSTP's At Issue:
Matt Entenza and Robyne Robinson...also political analysts Ember Reichgott Junge and Sarah Janecek.

WCCO's Sunday Morning:
Robyne Robinson, DFL Rep. Keith Ellison...

Capitol Report:
Sec. of State Mark Ritchie details the changes voters need to know as the primary election draws near. Newly appointed Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Michael Pugliese discusses the impact of the legislative session on Minnesotans. Senate Taxes Chair Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, says his staff will begin work shortly on revising the tax structure.

ABC's This Week:
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell

CBS' Face the Nation:
White House Energy Adviser Carol Browner, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), Louisiana State University environmental scientist Edward Overton, Ph.D

CNN's State of the Union:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

Fox News Sunday:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen

NBC's Meet the Press:
White House Energy Adviser Carol Browner, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ). The show may also air some excerpts from Thursday's interview with Gov. Pawlenty.