An Outside Look at Our Insides

Why does the common sense need to come from North Dakota?

"Whether one agrees or disagrees with the Republican governor’s deep cuts in vital programs, the claim he’s misusing his power is bogus. The governor has the authority both to veto budgets and apply “unallotment” when there is not enough revenue to pay for everything lawmakers approved. That’s exactly what Pawlenty is doing. His action is generating howls among Democratic leaders who failed to lead.

For example, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, in a column she wrote accused the governor of a “power grab.” She contended that use of allotment power is reserved only for emergency situations. Does she not understand the state’s budget emergency?"

Read, as they say, the whole thing. As a somewhat frequent critic of Governor Pawlenty, what with his "green" initiatives, and all. I would have to unequivocally say that he's performed his job admirably this last legislative session. My hope is that his replacement performs his job with equal vigor and attention paid to the interest of hard-working, tax-paying Minnesotans.

(h/t Gary Gross)