Bob CollinsThree or so weeks into the legislative session and the hallmark of the session so far has not so much been job creation, but the vast gulf that exists between Republicans and the few DFLers who remain.
Today, for example, the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee passed a bill that would repeal the gun permit laws in Minnesota. That’s not exactly an issue that was much of a hot topic in the campaign, but it’s also one that’s not surprising, either.
Here’s the breakdown of today’s vote:
| Legislator | Party | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kerry Gauthier |
DFL | 07B | AGAINST |
|
Bill Hilty |
DFL | 08A | AGAINST |
|
Sheldon Johnson |
DFL | 67B | AGAINST |
|
Carlos Mariani |
DFL | 65B | AGAINST |
|
Rene Moran |
DFL | 65A | AGAINST |
|
Joe Mullery |
DFL | 58A | AGAINST |
|
Linda Slocum |
DFL | 63B | AGAINST |
|
Tony Cornish |
Republican | 24B | FOR |
|
Glenn Gruenhagen |
Republican | 25A | FOR |
|
Tim Kelly |
Republican | 28A | FOR |
|
Andrea Kieffer |
Republican | 56B | FOR |
|
John Kriesel |
Republican | 57A | FOR |
|
Ernie Leidiger |
Republican | 34A | FOR |
|
Joe McDonald |
Republican | 19B | FOR |
|
Bud Nornes |
Republican | 10A | FOR |
|
Steve Smith |
Republican | 33A | FOR |
|
Kelby Woodard |
Republican | 25B | FOR |
You probably notice something in that vote; it was along party lines.
There have been nine committee votes at the Legislature so far this year on significant pieces of legislation. In those votes that were roll-call votes, no one DFLer has strayed from his/her party, and one Republican strayed from his/her party (David Dill, a DFLer, voted to repeal the moratorium on nuclear power. GOPer Steve Smith voted against budget cuts)
Gov. Mark Dayton may set a record for vetoes.
You can find bill status and votes on MPR’s Votetracker.
