pawlenty022708
On the homepage
Vikings
Out There
Pardon Board
Petters
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Governor lashes back; says override will spark 'tax revolt'
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who was in Washington when lawmakers lobbed his transportation veto back at him, returned to Minnesota Tuesday and warned Democrats to "buckle their seat belts because there may be some unexpected turbulence."
Pawlenty sternly rebuked lawmakers who voted to override his veto of a bill raising the gas tax, local sales taxes and vehicle registration fees to pay for $6.6 billion in transportation projects. Eight Republicans in the Legislature joined every Democrat in supporting the first successful override attempt during Pawlenty's tenure.
"You can mark the calendar, yesterday will be the day that began a tax revolt in Minnesota," Pawlenty said. The bill, he added, "took a bucket of tax increases and dumped it on the head of Minnesotans."
He predicted the bill will haunt DFL House members campaigning for re-election this fall.
House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, said he was "disappointed to hear about the governor's partisan tone."
"People all around our state understand just how important it is to get Minnesota moving again," Sertich said.
Pawlenty defended his five-day trip to Washington as the critical vote approached. He said he appealed to Republicans by phone to uphold his veto.
He and GOP legislative leaders promised to close ranks and fend off any other tax hikes that come forward this year. That includes any to balance a budget deficit expected to grow in size when a new economic report is released Thursday. The state already faced a projected $373 million deficit.
Recent State Politics stories
Legal fees the latest battle in case that alleged payments to Coleman - February 26, 2008
Legal fees the latest battle in case that alleged payments to Coleman - A high-bucks battle over legal fees has reinvigorated a case that roiled Minnesota's 2008 Senate race. More
- Quam exits firm to help husband run for governor
- Legislators take a field trip to the Metrodome
- Library is pressed to take gang force report off Web
- Not all forgiven
- Lowry Bridge, Saints, Como Zoo fighting for your money
- Minn./Wis. reciprocity: Will workers be torn between two tax bills?
- As commission presses, Vikes will 'move on'
- Backed by House, 6 patients sue Pawlenty, state officials
- Sowing survivalism seeds on talk radio
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
 Find Your Next HomeSearch realtor represented & for sale by owner homes in the Twin Cities. Plus, find open house listings. |
Win tickets to see The Hidden Cameras with Gentlemen Reg at 7th Street Entry.Vita.mn presents The Hidden Cameras with Gentlemen Reg at 7th Street Entry on Dec. 2. |
Comment on this story | Read all 22 comments | Hide reader comments