Almanac: At the Capitol

It's all about jobs. It seemed regardless of the issue, the cause is jobs. Everybody wants jobs, everyone likes jobs. Jobs are non-partisan, right? Well that depends.

Today, the Mall of America did a full court press at the Capitol. Their cause is the MOA Phase II expansion. But, you guessed it, it was about jobs. It was an expertly crafted media event. Babies holding signs for jobs. Big tough guys looking emotional holding signs for jobs. A who's who of legislative leadership spoke at a press conference and rally. The question is if the MOA money will get past House Tax Chair Ann Lenczewski and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The other big jobs event had to do with another hearing about the Northwest Airlines merger. In Rep. Joe Atkin's committee, workers sat with more (and different) jobs posters. Many in the Capitol wonder if Atkins might be running for a new job himself, governor? Tomorrow hearings continue in the Senate, without big names coming, it's frankly hard for reporters to get too excited. But we do love JOBS!