Longtime GOP Rep. Steve Sviggum is leaving the Minnesota House to become the commissioner of labor and industry. Certainly after spending 29 years in the Legislature, one can want a change in place. And at 55, he might have been planning to retire soon at any rate. But if he thought the odds were good that the GOP would take back the Minnesota House in 2008, would he make this move? I don't know, but I'm not taking that as a good omen for the GOP.

I'm positive Michael will disagree.

At any rate, Rep. Sviggum has been a great legislator, and his knowledge of the institution will be missed by both GOP and DFL representatives.

Labels: legislature, Minnesota