A couple of stories today make me think Republicans simply aren't audacious enough. First, we have a bald statement by Rep. Cy Thao (DFL-St. Paul) to the effect of saying the political process is a zero-sum game, and he who wins gets the prize. From Gary,

Today, at a committee hearing, Cy Thao told Steve (Rep. Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud) �When you guys win, you get to keep your money. When we win, we take your money.� This was Thao�s explanation as to how the DFL plans on paying for all the spending increases they promised their special interest friends.

I understand the process of feeding one's special interests (as does Sen. Amy Klobuchar, by the way), but it takes a certain amount of chutzpah to giggle as you stick the shiv into tax producers for goodies for your favored clan of tax consumers.

But that isn't even the best story today. That would have to be from Michael and Drew, tipping us off that later today former Senator Dean Johnson -- the Right Reverend of Sanding -- may ascend to the Board of Trustees of the University of Minnesota as the House and Senate toss aside the recommendations of Governor Pawlenty. Lutherans don't usually believe in being born again, but Pastor Dean appears to be undergoing his own resurrection.

So what does a senator eat with that measly $60 of per diem money after such a hard day of taking your money and lifting up the politically dead? I suspect they'll want to celebrate such good works, so let's send them to the best, The Lexington, where the filet and walleye combos checks in at a mere $32 and, with soup and salad included, probably will fill us up. And with $28 to spare you should have enough to top up with a good cabernet tonight, and maybe a little chocolate mousse for dessert. Be sure to tip your server ... unless she's a Republican, in which case you can simply take her money.

Labels: legislature, Minnesota