Almanac: At the Capitol

A handful of Republicans got called into Gov. Tim Pawlenty's office to try to get a handle on the hot potato of REAL ID. Minority Leader Seifert says the governor has vetoed REAL ID along with an education bill. Pawlenty is talking to some of his fellow Republicans who could be override candidates behind closed doors. We had the story tonight of the executive order Pawlenty has proposed on REAL ID with what he apparently sees as some compromise language. Opponents of REAL ID do not see a compromise, they don't want any part of the federal mandate. They think Pawlenty has vetoed a REAL ID opt-out because of presidential candidate John McCain's support of it. Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee oppose it along with the Democratic candidates. Sen. Mee Moua said Pawlenty's vice presidential ambitions are getting in the way of his governing. The question for some of the lawmakers in the "woodshed" depends on when he issues the executive order, before or after an override. Lawmakers are questioning if the executive action is constitutional since it could undo a legislative action. The Senate is poised to override and the question is the House.

***Saturday update: Gov. Pawlenty has issued an executive order delaying the implementation until June 1, 2009 unless the legislature does otherwise. That detail is the new development from the draft we revealed on Almanac. Opponents of REAL ID who were interested in overriding Pawlenty's veto of the opt-out wanted at least a delay. They didn't think the draft went far enough. The question is if this executive action goes far enough to stave off an override.