Political Notebook

Showdown on Rochester sales tax tomorrow

The tax bill conference committee is expected to hear testimony tomorrow on Rochester's proposed sales tax extension and both supporters and opponents are gearing up.

The Senate version of the bill includes approval for the $160 million requested by Rochester for the sales tax proposal. But the House version slashes $58.5 million from the plan getting rid of funding for a senior center, youth center, library expansion and various economic development initiatives. The city needs the legislature's authorization before it can put the sales tax issues before the voters.

City officials and Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade are expected to testify tomorrowing morning in support of the full sales tax proposal. Meanwhile, members of the Rochester Tea Party Patriots are planning to carpool to the Capitol to speak out against the sales tax. In an e-mail to members, the group says if it can't get the measure killed it will at least make the argument that they adopt the $58.5 million in cuts.

There are two local lawmakers on the conference committee. Rochester GOP Sen. Dave Senjem, sponsor of the sales tax bill, supports the full $160 million plan. House Taxes Committee Chair Greg Davids, R-Preston, backs the cuts. In an interview today, Senjem did say it will likely be tough to get the full funding because the Minnesota House voted against an amendment backed by Rochester Democrats to reinstate the cuts.

 

Rochester congressional debate cancelled

A 1st Congressional District debate slated for Monday has been canceled since DFL Congressman Tim Walz declined to participate. The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and the Post-Bulletin had partnered to sponsor the debate.

Chamber president John Wade said it did not make sense to hold the debate even though the three other candidates — Republican Randy Demmer, IP candidate Steven Wilson and independent Lars Johnson — had planned to attend.

"At least in recent memory this is the first time that we have ever had to cancel a debate because of a lack of participation from a primary candidate in the race, in this case Congressman Walz who has declined the invitation of the chamber and the Post-Bulletin to participate in what has proven to be a very effective debate," Wade said.

When turning down the offer, Walz's campaign cited concerns about the $20 chamber member/$30 non-member charge for the luncheon event and the fact that independent Lars Johnson had not been invited to participate. To try to accommodate his concerns, the event was made free for those who did not want lunch and Johnson was invited to participate.

The Walz campaign already said it would participate in a total of three debates across the First Congressional District, including one in Rochester sponsored by the Minnesota News Network and AARP. The final date has not yet been set for that debate.

A gubernatorial debate is still set for Oct. 22.

UPDATE: The Walz campaign's Communications Director Sara Severs sent along this statement regarding the debate.

“Tim is looking forward to a robust, open debate and welcomes all Rochester Chamber members to attend the debate in Rochester being sponsored by the Minnesota News Network and AARP  -- for free. Tim is eager for the chance to continue sharing his ideas on the economy and private sector job growth.”

Rochester on Tour returns to the Capitol today

Hundreds of Rochesterites are on their way to St. Paul for the 7th annual Rochester on Tour at the Capitol. There is plenty at stake for the Med City during this year's legislative session. DFL legislative leaders announced yesterday they were going to hold off on sending  $1 billion public works bill to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who vowed to veto the measure. Instead, lawmakers say they want to work with the governor to come up with a deal. Here's today's story. The bonding bill was stuffed with Rochester area projects including $34 million to expand the Mayo Civic Center and $4 million for the National Volleyball Center, just to name a couple.

The big question is, will a big turnout today help push these projects forward? That is what Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede and Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade are hoping. They issued a joint news release last week urging residents to turn out because the projects are in jeopardy.

Participants have a busy day on tap. They will arrive at the Crown Plaza in St. Paul at 11:30 a.m. for lunch with Gov. Tim Pawlenty scheduled to address the group. They will then head to the Capitol for a rally. After that, they will meet with lawmakers and discuss local issues in groups. The day is capped off with a "Grand Reception" at the National Guard Armory featuring Rochester food, drinks and live music.

Roch mayor, chamber prez urge residents to pack the Capitol

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede and Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade sent out a joined press release this afternoon warning that Rochester's bonding projects are in jeopardy and called on residents to show their support by filling the Minnesota Capitol on Wednesday as part of Rochester On Tour at the Capitol.

The press release states that several of the city's construction projects are "on the chopping block" for funding. In particular, the release emphasizes the importance of the Mayo Civic Center expansion, saying it would have an economic impact of $44 million per year and create 1,200 jobs.

This plea from the chamber president and mayor come after Sen. Ann Lynch, DFL-Rochester, said that the city is in jeopardy of not getting state construction funding for its projects because fellow Rochester Sen. Dave Senjem, a Republican, voted against the bill. Here is a link to that story. Senjem said his vote had nothing to do with the Rochester projects, saying he is supportive of them. He said it was to show he preferred the House's $1.1 billion bonding bill, which includes $89 million to expand the Moose Lake sex offender treatment center.

Click here to Download Rochester press release

Wade is out, Mayo Civic Center gets boost and more

I suppose it is a truism that inevitably the day you are off is when political news breaks. So here is an update on just some of the news items.

First off, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade put an end to speculation that he would seek the Republican endorsement for the 1st Congressional District. Wade said in a statement that "While honored by the support and invitation of many of my friends and colleagues, I will neither pursue nor accept the Republican Party's endorsement." Here is the story.That leaves four Republicans vying for the nomination to run against Democratic Congressman Tim Walz. They are House Assistant Minority Leader Randy Demmer, former congressional staffer Jim Hagedorn, Army veteran Frank McKinzie and former state Rep. Allen Quist.

Meanwhile, Rochester's quest for $34 million in state bonding money to expand the Mayo Civic Center got a boost yesterday. Rep. Alice Hausman, who chairs the House Capital Investment Finance Division Committee, said she is "very positively inclined" to support Rochester's request. Here's the story.

Walz also visited with high school students yesterday in Rochester. He talked about health care reform and the war in Afghanistan. Here is that story.

Wade for Congress?

Local Republicans say Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce President John Wade is considering running for the 1st Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Tim Walz.

Here is a link to today's story. When asked whether he was considering a run for Congress, Wade said "I am not ruling anything out." He did add that his focus for now remains on his job as chamber president.

"Right now I am focusing on what I do, and that is focusing on building jobs in this community," Wade said.

But an online search shows the Wade did buy the domain name "wadeforcongress.com" on Nov. 17, 2006 -- shortly after Walz won re-election. Republican Party of Olmsted County Co-chair Bruce Kaskubar said Wade had announced a few weeks ago at a Christmas dinner that he was considering running for the seat.

"He has good name recognition, at least in our corner of the district," Kaskubar said. "He has got experience. He was a key member of Gil Gutknecht's staff, so he knows the political territory."

So far, four Republicans have announced they're running for the seat: Assistant House Minority Leader Randy Demmer of Hayfield, Jim Hagedorn of Blue Earth, retired military veteran Frank McKinzie of Rochester, and former state Rep. Allen Quist of St. Peter.