2007 Legislative season kicks off

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie gaveled the 2007 House session to order Wednesday noon. 

The Capitol was buzzing with activity and excitement; a rally on the steps, legislators and their families, lobbyists, and journalists filled the building. All 134 new (and returning) members of the House were sworn in by Judge Ron Abrams who said wished the members good luck in their dealings over the next two years.*

With the 35 new Legislators the balance of power swung to the Democrats who put Rep Margaret Anderson-Kelliher in charge as the Speaker. Over in the Senate 18 new Senators also swung the balance to the DFL who picked Sen Larry Pogemiller to lead them. Sen Pogemiller made a slightly surprising, and bipartisan move putting Sen. Dennis Fredrickson into the president pro-tem position (he’ll be the fill in president of the senate).

About half way through the vote for Kelliher (the Republicans put forth Marshall Republican Marty Seifert) for Speaker the noise from the Rotunda started to get loud. A group of protesters had moved inside for their rally.  They held signs including “Screw U don’t screw us”, “Pawlenty steals from the poor”, and “Workfare=slavelabor”. The group of about 75 supported a living wage and better union support. Speakers addressed the diverse crowd in english and spanish.

The DFL is promising a fast kick off of the issues with six bills expected yet this week in the Senate

With everyone stressing bipartisanship, cooperation, and reaching across party lines there are still expected to be plenty of fireworks for for conflict junkies for those who enjoy political conflict.

*Reporter’s Note:  I didn’t have a spectacular view but from my vantage point I didn’t see anyone holding a Bible, or any other religious book, I did see a few Legislators holding their children, though.