SENATOR RESIGNS TO LOBBY, SPECIAL ELECTION CALLED
12/22/09
Earlier this month State Senator Dick Day
(R-Owatonna) announced he was resigning his Senate
seat of 19 years to become a lobbyist. Day will be
working to pass a “racino” proposal to authorize slot
machines at Minnesota’s two horse racetracks,
something he actively supported while in the
legislature. The move has reignited the debate on
whether there should be controls on lawmakers moving
directly from the legislature to lobbying. In past
sessions some legislators, including State Senator
and DFL Gubernatorial candidate John Marty
(DFL-Roseville), have pursued legislation that would
require legislators to wait 2 years after leaving the
legislature before doing any paid lobbying work.
Marty issued a press release after Day’s announcement
saying Day’s move clearly illustrates why the bill is
needed. We can expect to hear more on this
issue during the 2010 session.
Day’s departure leaves an open Senate seat. A special election has been set for January 26th, with a primary on January 12th, if needed. The special election creates an interesting situation, as Day, a Republican, received more than 50% of the vote in the last election, yet both of the district’s House members are Democrats. Minnesota’s DFL party has had great success over the last few years in special elections, as well, which could further complicate things for the Republicans. Candidate filings for the seat will be accepted from December 23rd until December 29th.
As for the racino proposal, Governor Pawlenty has already expressed his lack of enthusiasm. "I just don't think that expanding gambling is the way to go for Minnesota," he told reporters last week.
Day’s departure leaves an open Senate seat. A special election has been set for January 26th, with a primary on January 12th, if needed. The special election creates an interesting situation, as Day, a Republican, received more than 50% of the vote in the last election, yet both of the district’s House members are Democrats. Minnesota’s DFL party has had great success over the last few years in special elections, as well, which could further complicate things for the Republicans. Candidate filings for the seat will be accepted from December 23rd until December 29th.
As for the racino proposal, Governor Pawlenty has already expressed his lack of enthusiasm. "I just don't think that expanding gambling is the way to go for Minnesota," he told reporters last week.