Around 4 a.m. Monday, state Reps. Jeremy Kalin and Erin Murphy were sitting around with several other legislators in the House chamber passing time while they waited to vote on the final budget bill.
While a few people napped, several legislators joked about proposing bills they could offer that would send the special session into a hopeless tailspin, like a last-minute stadium bill or a $500 million bonding bill for transportation.
One idea, directed toward Iron Range Rep.Tom Anzelc, got the biggest laugh: a bill to sell the Iron Range to Canada for a case of beer.
"Labatt Blue beer," Anzelc said.
A minute later, House Majority Leader Tony Sertich of Chisholm reflected on the idea and joked about two possible up sides: universal health care and easier permitting for new mines.
Here's a picture that captures the mood of the Capitol at 4 a.m.:
