Lesch went AWOL during Saturday's session

Four term popular DFL State Representative John Lesch was absent from House session. I was at the Capitol during part of saturday so not only everyone noticed so I did too. Everyone was wondering where Lesch was. Only 133 House members was present but where was Lesch? Politics of Minnesota has answer.

Lesch in DFL doghouse after missing Saturday tax omnibus vote

Swine Flu on Twitter

If you are using Twitter, and is worrying about Swine Flu so you may want to get good resources from H1N1Info on Twitter.

Play by Play on Twitter

Hello Readers,
For past two days including part of late Saturday afternoon I spent my time at the Capitol. I did play by play on my Twitter instead of blogging. In addition to my play by play, Politics in Minnesota (PIM) does too.

Rachel's Twitter

PIM's Twitter

A typo/CORRECTION

I wanted to apologize to Sonny Wasilowski for mis spelling and misprouncing his last name. Thanks Sonny for informing me. I will be doing one more article on Mr. Wasilowski sometimes soon.

UpTake and House webcast will cover tomorrow's House session

Since TPT won't be covering live action of Minnesota House tomorrow so I have good news for Minnesota Legislature junkies: UpTake will be covering live action tomorrow.

From UpTake website:

The UpTake's Live Streaming video from the MN Capitol -Saturday, April 25

11 a.m. - (live) House floor session The House will come in to session, then recess to caucus

12 p.m. - (live) House floor session Agenda: HF1309 (Lieder) Omnibus Transportation Finance bill; HF2323 (Lenczewski) Omnibus Tax bill

UpTake website

House of Representatives will have webcast as well.

Listing of webcast on Minnesota House website

Prayer for Rep Wagenius

This morning Minnesota House took a minute of silence moment for Rep. Jean Wagenius because she was in car accident earlier this morning.

UpTake video on the prayer for Rep. Wagenius

Star Trek, Checkers, Chess And The MN Budget

From The UpTake website where Minority Leader Marty Siefert made some Star Trek remarks during last night's session.

Siefert's Trekkie remarks on UpTake

Minnesota House of Representatives just want to be so funny.

On Air America, they posted a video from last night marathon session. House just decided to be so funny just like comedians on late night shows. They was discussing what can metro area legislators to keep non metro area legislators entrained, let them stay with them.

Reality TV: MN Lawmakers Bring the Political Comedy

A House Member is recovering from car accident

House member resting after vehicle incident Published (4/24/2009)

Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) was on her way home after a late-night House floor session, when her vehicle was struck from behind after turning south from Interstate 94 onto southbound Interstate 35W at 1:46 a.m., according to a State Patrol incident report.

A 21-year-old male from Eden Prairie was arrested and booked on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to the report.

“We are keeping her in our prayers,” House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Mpls) said during a media briefing.

Wagenius’ husband arrived at the scene and took her to a hospital for evaluation, Kelliher said.

Wagenius was first elected as a representative in 1986 and is the current chairwoman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division. She represents District 62B in Minneapolis.

The accident raised concerns about late-night sessions. Kelliher said she “always worries” about sessions that end at bar-closing time and members having to drive home.

Source: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sessiondaily.asp?yearid=2009&storyid=1821

Yeah, it will happen tomorrow.

The rumor that have been flying around at the Capitol for couple of weeks that we would have Saturday Session on Saturday April 25th. Yeah it turned out to be true. Originally House was going to meet at 9:30A.M. but for some reason they changed it to 11:00A.M. Senate also will be in at 11:00A.M. as well.

Scolding and twittering during marthon session

Rep. Tara Mack was scolded by Speaker Margeret Anderson Kelliher (MAK) because Mack passed out unapproved flyer. I had to ask a House member what it was but he said there was too many flyers passed around. Can't remember what flyer it was. It happened yesterday.

During overnight Some of Minnesota Legislative junkies and I even some members of House twittered to each other on progress of session that ended at 1:15AM this morning. What a crazy day it was.

It looked like today was scold-free day at the Capitol. Who's gonna get a scold from the Speaker next?

I have never heard of Senate President Jim Metzen scolding anyone in my lifetime.

Saturday session?

Heard latest rumor that the legislature may have first saturday session of the year this saturday on the 25th. They are going to discuss omnibus bill but not sure which one. Wait and see if it's true or not. Let's find out on friday for sure.

Next deaf candidate for public office?

In House District 26B, Rep. Patti Fritz will have an opponent for sure. His name is Sonny Waslowski who is a deaf man and Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf alumni. He haven't announced his candidacy yet but heard latest gossip.

House District covers Faribault, a home to Minnesota State Academies and one of state prison.

There have been other deaf or deafblind candidates in Minnesota for public office in the past such as Rachel Eggert, Rev. Emory Dively, Carol Bolcar, and Lee Clark.

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing any candidates. Just give out information on latest legislative race or any of campaigns.

MSUSA to hold April Conference this weekend

Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) plan to have April conference this weekend in Marshall, Minnesota. MSUSA is similar to Minnesota State College Students Association (MSCSA) but only focus on Minnesota state public universities expect for University of Minnesota since U of M have their own association.

Conference details

About MSUSA

MSCSA and MSUSA do work together to advocate for students so they usually have joint rally every 2 years at the Capitol during budget year.

Senate of the year: Inver Hills Student Senate

Heard from a source over the weekend that Inver Hills College Student Senate have won Minnesota State College Students Association's Student Senate of the year award during MSCSA Spring General Assembly in Breezy Points. They also have won the award in 2004 and 2007 as well.

way to go, Inver! You have worked hard to have a good Student Senate. With Brent Glass as one of advisor, he has made the senate a success.

Omnibus Tax Bill is out now

House DFL has made plan to introduce what we call "Sin Tax" amongst other stuff in Tax/Budget Omnibus bill that would be bought up on House Floor later this week.

You could check it out here.

Minnesota House of Representatives is on Twitter

Good news for twitters, Minnesota House of Representatives is on Twitter now so you go ahead add them to your Twitter friend list.

MN House of Representatives on Twitter

It look like MN Senate haven't caught up on Twitter craze just yet..

Minnesota State College Students Association to meet this weekend

Minnesota State College Students Association (MSCSA) will meet this weekend at Breezy Point Resort for their Spring General Assembly to elect leaders for next year. MSCSA represent public two years college campuses. They work on college issues and lobby at the legislature to work on bills such as prevent tuition from skyrocketing.

Every campuses send their own student senate to MSCSA meetings to work together and represent their campuses.

You could find list of candidates that are running for positions on MSCSA Governing Council by clicking here.

To learn more about MSCSA, click here.

Some Student Senators end up in elected office such as Rep. Tony Sertich. There haven't been MSCSA Alumni elected to public office just yet. Some like myself and Former MSCSA President Scott Formo ran but lost.

C' mon, T-Paw make up your mind!

Governor Tim Pawlenty need to make his mind up on what he want to do with US Senate election. Minnesota Citizens like myself deserve two US Senators. other 49 states that have 2 senators which isn't fair. I don't care if it's Franken or Coleman. I feel that Senator Amy Klobuchar is overwhelmed and stressed out with huge pile of casework and constituent workload.

Since he is one who sign election certificate along Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, he just need go ahead and sign it so we could have 2nd US Senator. We need fair representation. I am very frustrated just like Minnesota citizens. We are not Florida. Mark Ritchie isn't Katherine Harris, he is doing good job and he have been very careful with the process.

Norm and Tim, If you are reading this: I know we don't discuss politics but we all need to get over this and join other 49 states that have two US Senators so the US Senate could have full quorum in case if there need to be tie-breaker. No hard feelings but we need to get what Minnesota Citizens deserves: two US Senators. You need to allow Amy Klobuchar take a break since as I mention she have huge pile of caseloads that one Senator really can't get all done at once.

First late session of the year tomorrow and opinion on the Legislature

Minnesota House of Representatives will have first late afternoon session of the year tomorrow (Friday the 17th) starting at 4:00 PM. What is your bet on how long it will be?

Typically at this time of year, both Senate and House usually have floor sessions at strange times which isn't your typical 9-5 job. Sometimes they take long recess or on call of chair so committee can sort things out such as conference committees or the leaders meet with the Governor to resolve omnibus bills.

As a former session only employee at the Capitol, trust me I know how it goes and it is usually a waiting game to get things done. Legislature can be exciting and in past few years they have gained popularity with the general public because as what I've seen more people are paying more attention and it's like they have drawn more fans.

Not only worked at the Capitol and being a lobbyist, I also am a huge fan of Minnesota State Legislature. Good thing that the Legislature is open to anyone and it doesn't require tickets expect only if you want to go on House Floor or gallery ticket if there are hot debated bills such as gay marriage one year that they had or swearing in for Senator Mee Moua.

Let's wait and see what happens. What do you think of this legislative session so far? Which session was your least favorite? Which session is worst?

FRANKEN WON AND COLEMAN LOSES.

According to court today, Al Franken has won after grueling 7 weeks in court. Judges have announced that Franken is the winner. As for Norm Coleman, he decided to appeal at the Minnesota Supreme Court.

For months I have been not involved with US Senate race drama because I just don't want to be involved.

KARE 11 on court's decision.

Since the election certificate isn't signed, Franken can't be Senator unless Coleman drop his appeal.

It's offical: Marty has entered 2010 Governor's race

Today State Senator John Marty have announced his bid for Governor's Office. Marty, 22 years veteran of Minnesota State Senate did ran for same office in 1994 but lost to Former Governor Arne Carlson. He was Democratic Farmer Labor endorsed candidate.

When he lost election in 1994, it was horrible loss for DFL-endorsed candidate to lost a office in party's 50 years history.

Marty's announcement in Star Tribune

Rep. Erin Murphy's Mid Session Break

Good news for Rep. Erin Murphy's fans: She have written really good article on her blog.

Rep. Erin Murphy's Mid Session Break blog

Rybak-O' Hara residence is up for sale

That's right, Mayor RT Rybak and First Lady Megan O' Hara decide to downsize and be empty nesters since their kids, Charlie and Gracie will be off to college this fall.

Price Tag: Under 750,000 in Southwest Minneapolis. The house have four bedrooms and three bathroom.

Rybak O' Hara House for Sale on Star Tribune

Mayor RT Rybak's State of City Address

I have forgetten that Minneapolis RT Rybak had given State of City Address at end of March which I couldn't make it due to illness. You could find his speech on his city website in case you missed the speech like I did.

RT Rybak's 2009 State of City Address.

Mayor Donny Ness had wisdom teeth removed

According to Mayor Ness's Facebook status, Duluth Mayor Donny Ness had his all four wisdom teeth removed sometimes recently.

Donny, I hope you get better soon. Been there with oral surgery before and I know how painful it can be.

THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU VOTE ILLEGALLY

A 64 years old man voted Obama because his dead wife wanted him to do to for her. He gets in too much trouble so if you are going to vote illegally, think twice before you commit voter fraud crimes.

Pioneer Press article

Something new with St. Paul City website

Today I decided to check City of St. Paul website which I haven't looked at for long time. Behold lo, they have done lot of change on website. Check it out for yourself.

City of Saint Paul website

What do you really think of their newly designed website?

Happy Passover!

I wanted to wish my Jewish readers Happy Passover. I hope that my Jewish readers are enjoying their Passover holida.

Yes, the legislature will have Spring Break.

Its true, the Minnesota Legislature will have Passover/Easter Spring break starting after final committee meeting later today. I obtained full break schedule at time of press.

There will be no floor sessions and committee hearings starting Wednesday, April 9 and will resume on Tuesday, April 14.

On Friday, April 10th both House and Senate offices will be closed so it mean legislative employees will have additional holiday.

Twittering!

Yes I am on Twitter. I am catching up on how to use it and pretty much everyone is using Twitter since it become so popular.

What is Twitter? Its latest new social networking but more like brief messages or status between friends, co workers, people of same interest.

I usually twitter to communicate with people. Most of time it's political related stuff but sometimes non political stuff as well.

To see my Twitter page, please click here. You may see who are my followers and who are following me.

Should we do Myspace next?

Apologies for not keeping updated.

Dear Readers:
I wanted to apologize for not keeping updated with news- was very overwhelmed with going through rough time plus illness recently. I also resume lobbying after a couple of year absence due to taking a non-partisan job at the Capitol for three sessions which I was laid off last December and I am more likely to be re-hired for 2010 session. As for now I have to do different roles so I don't get conflict of interest.

If you have any story ideas or events that you want be seen on this site, please send e-mail to senatoreggert@yahoo.com. Don't be hesitant to contact me with any questions as well.

I still do twitter so please visit me at www.twitter.com/mncapitolgirl. I also do have Facebook as well.