With the Minnesota Legislature so evenly split, is now the time for moderation on the Left?
For Kos's readers who follow the national scene, the question of moderation has a clear answer: moving towards the political center hasn't worked, didn't work, and won't work.
But does that also hold true for state politics?
During his pep-talk to the DFL House caucus yesterday, Walter Mondale -- "DFL Godfather" as he was labeled in the STrib -- alluded to the successes of representatives who have framed themselves as moderates, and urged DFLers to be civil and positive to get their jobs done. Additionally, the University of Minnesota's Humphery Institute of Public Affairs is even holding a conference this weekend on promoting a civil legislative environment, and 70 of 201 representatives have signed up.
From different reports, it sounds like the Senate, where the DFL holds the majority, already has a handle on being chummy, and look forward to a spirit of cooperation for passing everyone's legislation. In the House, however, where the DFL have a slight minority, the newly re-elected (by a tight 67-64 party line vote) Speaker Steve Sviggum, in his usual character, expressed his disappointment in Democrats for turning the day "into a partisan political show" by pointing out the inequalites in committee and staff assignments. There may be comprimise and civility in the House, but it doesn't look like it will be coming from the leadership on the Right.
The initial atmospheres will probably continue through the session. So should DFL legislators heed Mondale's advice in seeking success in the House?
Without cooperation, there is of course the looming threat of another gridlock, but the gridlock of last session will for the most part foil the actions of this session into a more positive light.
Contrary to Mondale's advice, my recommendation for the DFL, and more importantly progressive organizations in the state, follows this site's national recommendations: now is the time for boldness. Toss out grand creative ideas and projects early in the session. Since it will only take one or two representatives from the other side to pass a bill, pitches and bargins can be made to individuals, not party leaders, freeing up some room for different groups to get some their voices heard.
If that sounds like it wouldn't work, see Kos's piece today on the Montana GOP's influence on the Speaker election. With small margins of control, run-of-the-mill ideas will be voted on along party lines, while conversely to Montana, outside ideas will only require action from DFL members and a few reasonable representatives from the Right.
On a side note, there was fascinating story in the Pioneer Press about Cargill.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/business/10566559.htm
For those who don't know, Minnetonka based Cargill is the world's largest privately held company, specialising in all aspects of agribusiness. After merging with IMC Global, the company is now going more public. Check it out.