Almanac: At the Capitol

Just a day before John McCain's visit to Minnesota most Minnesotans know little about the presidential candidate's visit because the campaign wouldn't release any information. After a press conference responding to Democrats' press conference, McCain's local campaign coordinator Ben Golnik got chewed out by the local press for the lack of advance work. The national campaign is organizing the visit so the local guy gets to hear us complain.

Press cannot write preview stories without information. We cannot plan and book crews to cover events we know nothing about. It does not send a strong signal of an organized campaign. Obama's campaign gave several days notice and many details about his visit here a couple of weeks ago.

When the information finally arrived, it mentions the "previously scheduled town hall meeting" in Eagan has been canceled. Since the press never knew it was scheduled, it's funny to cancel it. The Eagan location had insiders wondering since that's where Gov. Tim Pawlenty lives. But the pre-ticketed town hall meeting will be Thursday at 7pm in St. Paul's Landmark Center.

What McCain can boast about is beating Obama to the punch in opening a campaign office. Today DFL officials said they expect an announcement in few weeks about Obama opening a local office. McCain's people also feel good about the recent poll showing the presidential race a toss up in Minnesota.

Democrats held a press conference criticizing McCain's gas tax holiday. DFL's Donna Cassutt and Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury) said it would cost the state more than $113 million and 4,000 jobs. McCain's office said the money would be replaced by federal the federal general fund. Saltzman reminded reporters of the 35W bridge collapse and said "Minnesotans have seen the reality when we delay needed projects." When asked about what Obama's or the Democrat's plan is to lower gas prices Democrats didn't have many answers. Saltzman said they would "not address" that but we need to look to greater energy efficiency.

A group of parents and school supporters just held a press conference at the Capitol about the results of last night's bond and levy vote. About 67% of the ballot questions passed, some with mixed results. Rolf Parsons from White Bear Lake said the voters send two strong and not necessarily contradictory messages: they're willing to pay for schools but also are overwhelmed by skyrocketing property taxes. The other common theme was that bond and levy referendums are no way to fund schools. They all called for a new way to pay for education. They said it creates a system of have and have nots where cities like Edina and Minnetonka voted yes overwhelmingly. Bev Petrie, a parent from Stillwater, said "what a crazy insane system to fund our education." When pressed, Mary Cecconi from Parents United for Public Schools, would not say where the money should come from. A reporter asked about property taxes, but received no response. Lynne Osterman a former Republican lawmaker from Robbinsdale who credited a dishonest outside organization for defeating her ballot question said, "I'm tired, we cannot give up." Lawmakers and the governor's education commissioner will explore a new funding model this session, but it's a huge issue to chew on when the bridge and transportation not to mention health care reform are all also on their plate in what's supposed to be a short session. Sen. Kathy Saltzman, who may win the award for most active off-session lawmaker, minutes later announced a hearing to "address dysfunction in K-12 funding" on Nov. 27.

The bad news just keeps coming for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Last week's headlines weren't good (the emergency responder who didn't respond in person until 10 days after the bridge collapse and the consultant they hired but didn't use months before the collapse). Now DFL state senators are putting on the pressure. Transportation Chair Sen. Steve Murphy sending a letter to MnDOT saying, "I would appreciate the information for which I originally asked." Then Sen. Kathy Saltzman sent another letter questioning the possible delay of the Dakota bridge project, which is already very far behind schedule. The Woodbury senator said: "I am requesting that you please confirm immediately if this situation is correct. And, if this is the situation, I am also requesting that you immediately send me a list of the other projects being delayed and their new completion/start dates." Let's remember these are some of the senators who can decide to confirm or fire MnDOT Commissioner/Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau. I've had many ask if she's going to resign. Not that I know of, but the Senate could force her out this winter when they convene for session.