Dean Johnson: kicking repub ass & taking names [View All]

[northernsoul]

http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/4770647.html

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Johnson seized on that reality and frequently made the point during the day that Pawlenty seems to be having more trouble with his party in getting his agenda passed.

Johnson also repeatedly attacked Pawlenty's absences from the Capitol late in the session. He said Tuesday's visit marked the fourth time in six weeks that Pawlenty had been to Willmar -- this time to "cut the ribbon on the airport, which won't be open for a year."

"He's out there beating up on the Legislature," Johnson said, "covering his left flank and his right flank, and his biggest problem has been that he can't get House Republicans to accept his agenda."

"We're here working, not flying around," Johnson said. "We've provided the structure to get from a deficit to a balanced budget, and we are here with our sleeves rolled up, trying to reach agreement." Johnson said he, Sviggum and other legislators were at the Capitol until 10 p.m. on Monday and returned early Tuesday to break the impasse.

DFLers later distributed fliers that superimposed Lassie and a smiling Pawlenty on the lawn of the Capitol with a headline that said "Timmy, come home."
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