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!

Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) continues his quest to question MnDOT's construction delays on the Wakota bridge. Atkins aired his frustration saying "$60 million over budget deserves scrutiny." MnDOT Commissioner Carol Molnau expressed her "regret over circumstances that have delayed the project" and she asked that the Legislative Auditor conduct an investigation (instead of Atkins I'd guess).  Here's the raw tape of the hearing.

Atkins wants a third party, like an administrative law judge, to review the "hundreds of documents" MnDOT refused to disclose saying, "What's wrong with a little sunshine." He has collected 80 boxes of information from MnDOT in this project that is now scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2010. Remember work began in 2002. New construction should begin again in April ironically from the same contractor MnDOT fired about a year ago, but now will cost about $3 million more.

Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) expressed his frustration that Atkins continues to "spend taxpayer money" holding hearings on the matter and wondered why the Transportation Committee wasn't handling this issue. Atkins responded that he doesn't "ask my mom to go out and play anymore." Zellers questioned if this was just made-for-TV drama with polygraphs for a "Moment of Truth." Atkins responded that this is among the most over-budget and delayed projects in the entire United States.

Here's the word directly from Joe Atkins:

A SENATE RUN? When I was approached about a possible run for the U.S. Senate at the start of the legislative session, I said I'd look at it when the legislature adjourned in May.

Since that word got out, I have been astounded at the flood of kind letters, calls and emails I have received * now numbering over 1000 * encouraging me to join the race. Mainstream Minnesotans are clearly looking for a candidate who can carry some common sense to our nation's capital.

However, while I deeply appreciate the support and encouragement, my heart lies here in Minnesota. Many of the issues that matter most to me and to most Minnesota families * quality schools, access to health care, lower property taxes, better transportation, protecting consumers and our great outdoors * are crying out for real vision and genuine leadership here in Minnesota. Leadership isn't about standing up for the privileged and the powerful and simply saying what you oppose. It's about standing up for the little guy, bringing folks together, and moving Minnesota forward. I look forward to continuing to do just that.