Bob CollinsIt’s not particularly difficult to see why so many legislators have called it quits at the Minnesota Capitol this session, often citing the changing atmosphere of partisanship there.
But an exchange between two Republican House members yesterday also underscores the bitter personal animosity even among members of the same party.
Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer sent a scathing post-session e-mail to her supporters.
Usually bills get better when they come back from a conference committee.
This time, it got worse. Additional pork for St. Paul and Minneapolis was added, a shocking data privacy for the Vikings was included, the funding mechanism of the pull tabs continued, the percentage to charity got smaller, no user fees included and the general fund continues to be at risk of bailing out this project in the future. In addition, the “new” $50 million the team is “adding” to their portion is offset by the team getting the naming rights instead of the state. The Wilf family also got back in their exclusive rights to a Soccer team for the next five years or so. Quite an amazing package for the owners.
I realized that this was a set deal between the Vikings, the Governor and the bill authors and that no matter the amendments or arguments, it would get done. They had enough votes to force it through. The City Council of Minneapolis has the last vote after the Governor signs the bill.
That irked retiring Rep. John Kriesel of Cottage Grove, one of the authors of the Vikings stadium bill.
Force it through? C’mon Mary. You can disagree with the bill but don’t lie about it.
At which point, Kiffmeyer didn’t hold back…
Not only no clue but no courage to run again and be accountable and see what your district thinks.
Kriesel, who is set to become the head of veterans services in Anoka County, was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star in the Minnesota National Guard, for whom he sacrificed both legs in Iraq in December 2006.
