The spirit of cooperation that dominated the early days of the 2005 legislative session ultimately turned out to be one more political game. Minnesotans seemed confident this session would be different after voters last November bounced a number of state representatives out of office in response to the 2004 session when legislators couldn’t even agree to finalize a bonding bill for the state.

Politicians themselves during the election campaigned with a new tune, one that made it seem that the state’s elected leaders understood Minnesotans are tired of the political games that hold up important legislation.

But either voters didn’t send a strong enough message or the politicians skillfully deceived them because there isn’t any difference between what’s happening this session and what happened a year ago.

With only about a week left before the Minnesota Constitution requires the Legislature to adjourn for the year, lawmakers and the governor have yet to agree on a comprehensive state budget, and many other issues. If the three major components &045; House Republicans, Senate Democrats and the governor &045; can’t come to a compromise, a special session will be needed to pass a budget. …

It’s probably not likely that either political party would be willing to risk a state government shutdown, but the way lawmakers acted early in the session, it convinced many Minnesotans that not even a special session would be needed for lawmakers to complete the work they’re expected to do.

There are still several days yet during which a miraculous deal could be struck, but considering how far apart the major players are on taxes, education, health care and transportation issues, it’s highly unlikely. Barring any last-minute deal, it seems as if legislators have again cast aside the best interests of the state in favor of scoring political victories.

&045; Faribault Daily News