Pawlenty Talks Big, Horner Says An Indy Can Win and Double E Takes A Bow
May 3, 2010
St.Paul, MN - Marty Owings
Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) scolded Legislators today, calling their efforts to balance the budget this session, "ridiculous, in fact, it's pathetic." Pawlenty spoke to Reporters at an afternoon press conference in which he threatened to use his unallotment powers to balance the budget. Pawlenty used those same powers last year and that use is currently being challenged in court.
The Governor is specifically addressing a nearly billion dollar budget shortfall. Earlier in the day Pawlenty send out press release, which is attached below, essentially outlining how he plans to solve the budget shortfall without the aid of any anticipated federal funds. Those funds were expected to come to the state in the form of $408 million dollars in matching state funds for Medicaid.
House Majority Leader responded with the following comment:
Click Here For The Audio.
Audio courtesy of Catherine Thompson
DFL Caucus Radio/Television Coordinator
Independence Party Candidate Tom Horner officially kicked off his campaign for Governor buy holding a Capitol Press conference. Former Senator Dave Durenberger (R) introduced Horner, calling him someone who, "can definately win". Durenberger said that Horner, a former Republican, "can reach out to where Minnesotan's are".
Horner answered a variety of media questions, including talking about his stance on abortion saying, "I think we need to reduce the number of abortions." Horner added however that he would not seek to repeal Row Vs. Wade. He said the question of whether abortion should be legal or illegal is a federal question, not one for the Governor of Minnesota. Horner said that he was appalled at the new Arizona immigration law which allows police to demand citizenship papers from anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant.
The IP Candidate said he would support changes to the law which would allow Gay Marriage. Horner said he supports public funding for a Viking stadium. Horner has been up front about his involvement in the Vikings stadium issue through his firm, Himle Horner which is a PR firm. Horner said he'd take a leave as the election draws near. Lastly Horner says he supports the use of unallotment, but says he wouldn't use it the way Pawlenty used it last year.
Horner is running against Rob Hahn and John Uldrich for the IP Party endorsement. The IP Party endorsing convention takes place this weekend.
Horner and Hahn can be heard here on today's (May 4, 2010) KFAI evening news, discussing the issues:
http://www.kfai.org/kfaieveningnews
Finally tonight, I learned that Eric Eskola, the longtime political Reporter for WCCO Radio has received a buyout offer and that he's accepted it. Eskola has worked for the station for 30 years and delivered a daily dose of political info and analysis in his trademark, unassuming style. Eskola also works for Twin Cities Public Television and will keep his job there as co-host of Almanac.
Long before I ever became a Political Reporter, I enjoyed Eric's reporting and perhaps more importantly I was informed by his reports. I'll be the first to say I see Eric Eskola as the Gold standard when it comes to political reporting and journalism in general. Thank goodness he'll be staying at TPT and won't be disappearing from the political media landscape. He's a Minnesota treasure in every sense.
On a personal note, having gotten to know Eric over the past couple of years at the Capitol, I know he would shun any attempt to heap praise on him. However, I want to share this much, he's a thoughtful, intelligent and principled Reporter. As good as Eric is as a Reporter, he's a also a just a great person. He never takes himself too seriously, never seems to get rattled by things that excite most Newsies and he's probably the hardest working Journalist I know.
If I were running a news organization, Eric Eskola would have a place on the air as long as he wanted it, he's that good. Thanks Eric for elevating the political media landscape, Minnesota was lucky to have you on the air as long as they did.
