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The gulf of St. Paul

Three or so weeks into the legislative session and the hallmark of the session so far has not so much been job creation, but the vast gulf that exists between Republicans and the few DFLers who remain.



Today, for example, the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee passed a bill that would repeal the gun permit laws in Minnesota. That's not exactly an issue that was much of a hot topic in the campaign, but it's also one that's not surprising, either.



Here's the breakdown of today's vote:



Legislator Party District Vote
Kerry Gauthier DFL 07B AGAINST
Bill Hilty DFL 08A AGAINST
Sheldon Johnson DFL 67B AGAINST
Carlos Mariani DFL 65B AGAINST
Rene Moran DFL 65A AGAINST
Joe Mullery DFL 58A AGAINST
Linda Slocum DFL 63B AGAINST
Tony Cornish Republican 24B FOR
Glenn Gruenhagen Republican 25A FOR
Tim Kelly Republican 28A FOR
Andrea Kieffer Republican 56B FOR
John Kriesel Republican 57A FOR
Ernie Leidiger Republican 34A FOR
Joe McDonald Republican 19B FOR
Bud Nornes Republican 10A FOR
Steve Smith Republican 33A FOR
Kelby Woodard Republican 25B FOR



You probably notice something in that vote; it was along party lines.

There have been nine committee votes at the Legislature so far this year on significant pieces of legislation. In those votes that were roll-call votes,

no

one DFLer has strayed from his/her party, and one Republican strayed from his/her party (David Dill, a DFLer, voted to repeal the moratorium on nuclear power. GOPer Steve Smith voted against budget cuts)



Gov. Mark Dayton may set a record for vetoes.



You can find bill status and votes on MPR's Votetracker.

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