Almanac: At the Capitol

As we head into the Easter/Passover break here at the Capitol, I thought it would be a good time to assess the new leadership in the legislature. Let's start in the Senate where Democrats made the controversial choice of Sen. Larry Pogemiller. Pogey won by one vote and we're often reminded of that by disgruntled staffers and his fellow Senators. But, for all the controversy and angst expected Pogey has been pretty quiet, deferring to his committee chairs and sticking to the concept of "decentralized power." The face of the caucus has been Sen. Tarryl Clark who has exceeded most expectations. She was pretty green, at least as a lawmaker, but she keeps smiling and politely deferred tax increase questions for months to manage the message away from taxes. While the press corps has been doing a lot of "I told you so" on taxes, she has kept her cool. Minority Leader David Senjem is just a nice guy, maybe too nice. The top talker in the caucus has become Sen. Julianne Ortman. She is tough and feisty yet still supremely likeable, which is tough for a woman in politics. Many are wondering if higher office is in her future. Now to the House, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Majority Leader Tony Sertich seemed to have found their rhythm. They remind me bit a of the old Sviggum/Pawlenty team. Sertich is the really quotable one who goes out on a limb more and engages in some fun rounds of verbal sparring. Kelliher has been cautious which is not too surprising with her new majority and slew of new members. Sertich is a rising star in the DFL. He's young and talented and we expect to see him on a bigger ticket someday too. Minority Leader Marty Seifert has been everything the press hoped he would be: fun and full of wonderfully outrageous quotes. He has long been a favorite soundbite for reporters and he continues to deliver. I know some question if he goes too far and isn't working in a bi-partisan manner, but with a minority that small you have to do something to get noticed and believe me it's hard to miss a Seifert press conference because you know you're going to get something good.