The Strib finally provided a public service yesterday, in this editorial.

Oh, you get context-mangled DFL propaganda, first, naturally:

One of this state’s most persistent and damaging political logjams finally gave way Monday. As a result, some of this state’s most persistent traffic jams will ease before this decade ends, and most damaged bridges will be replaced.

Let’s strive for honesty, here.  The state will build monuments to itself – and, maybe, take care of some infrastructure difficulties if they get around to it.

But whatever; “stop the presses, the Strib writes a hagiography for DFL hacks”.  Whoop di doo.

But then – mirabile dictu – they do something useful. 

They provide a handy-dandy blacklist!

Many of the legislators and lobbyists who contributed to this result deserve credit for making the state’s infrastructure a priority in 2008. Our list is incomplete, but starts with these:

• DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Yesterday’s vote likely would have had a different outcome were it not for Kelliher’s personal role in shaping the bill. She took the lead in securing business backing. Her respectful, persistent courtship of House Republicans won six minority votes that stayed solid under heavy intra-caucus pressure.

Did the editorial writer work for Kim Jong-Il? 

Kelliher twisted arms, browbeat, and threatened to kill GOP legislation in committee – and even then, she only got six RINO patsies.

Kelliher’s legacy – “the only political in Minnesota not as inept as Larry Pogemiller” – is intact; she needed a crushing legislative majority to accomplish her mission in two terms as the leader of a prohibitive majority.  Not that that’s good news; as Churchill said, you can’t win a war with a series of Dunkirks. 

But making Kelliher a hero is…well, Sturdevantian (indeed, the article looks like Sturdevant’s work).

Further evidence of Sturdevantism:  the Strib pastes a nice, big target on one of their butt-boys:

• Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina. The template for yesterday’s bill was the one Erhardt assembled almost single-handedly in 2005, when, as the chair of the House Transportation Policy Committee, he resolved to do something about the growing shortage of transportation funds.

The NARN Volume II will be interviewing Keith Downey, real Republican candidate to replace Erhardt, this Saturday at 2:15.  Tune in, and bring the outrage.

His bill was vetoed, but his courage inspired others. Kudos to the five other House Republicans who voted yes yesterday: Neil Peterson, Bloomington; Kathy Tinglestad, Andover; Jim Abeler, Anoka; Bud Heidgerken, Freeport, and Rod Hamilton, Mountain Lake.

Yeah, “editorial writer”.  His courage is gonna inspire a backlash that’ll make the “Contract With America” look like a Mike Gravel rally.

• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce President David Olson. By raising their gas tax ante at the start of the session, Olson and the chamber positioned themselves to help shape the outcome.

 Read:  “The CoC cozied up to the majority for pure political expediency”. 

Olson withstood nasty barbs from some of his own members to secure for his organization a seat at the negotiating table and a role in whittling down the bill’s metro sales tax to 0.25 cents on the dollar.

In other words, he worked to push this grotesque subsidy bill out of the failing Metro, to the parts of the state that work.

Great work!

The revenue this bill will provide for roads, bridges, transit and even repair of the MnDOT building is badly needed. Now it’s up to the Legislature’s DFL majorities to find ways to soften the tax blow that goes with it. A 20-year transportation funding battle ended yesterday, but the general fund battle is about to begin.

Read:  Hold onto your houses, your first-born and your clothing; it’s too late for your wallets.

If you’re not ready to march on the Capitol – especially the DFL/RINO Caucus – with torches and pitchforks, then what the hell will it take?