This was a short week at the Minnesota Capitol due to the legislative break for precinct caucus meetings. The precinct caucuses are the first step in determining who will appear on the ballot in November. The entire Minnesota Legislature will be up for election this fall because of the new redistricting maps – a process that happens every ten years. Current legislators and those seeking to run for the Legislature begin the process by seeking endorsement of their political party at the local level. Potential candidates use the caucus meetings as a way to introduce themselves to the local delegates and to being building support for their candidacy.
At the Republican caucus meetings, a non-binding “straw poll” was held to select a winner in the race for the Republican nomination of a candidate to run for President. At the Republican caucuses, Rick Santorum won with 45 percent of the vote, Ron Paul garnered 27 percent, Mitt Romney had 17 percent, and Newt Gingrich had 11 percent. Unlike many states, Minnesota does not have a presidential primary election to select a candidate for president. The straw poll is used to guide delegates to the national convention where the Republican presidential candidate is selected.
Back at the Capitol – The House and Senate re-convened at noon on Wednesday, February 8. In the House, a bill was passed to prohibit union deductions from state child care assistance payments. Minnesota does not currently have a child care union, but Governor Dayton signed an executive order last November calling for an election. However, the vote was stalled when a Ramsey County judge issued a temporary restraining order. House Democrats said that this bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t yet exist.
First Vetoes of the Session – Governor Dayton issued his first vetoes of the 2012 legislative session, vetoing all four bills passed by the Republican House and Senate relating to tort reform. In his veto messages, the Governor stated that he is deeply concerned that the legislation would make it more difficult for average citizens to defend themselves against powerful interests. He says, “The suggestion that passage of this measure will somehow create jobs in Minnesota lacks merit and substantiation. Not a single job would be created – but important protections would be greatly impaired.”
Looking Ahead – Governor Dayton will give his State of the State Address on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. when he addresses a joint convention of the House and Senate in the Minnesota House Chambers.
