Attention, GOP: You're NOT LISTENING! (DFL, make sure you do!)

From the GovernorsJournal.com:

Something else the GOP should note before they get even more carried away with their culture war agenda, also from GovernorsJournal.com:

"Pro Choice v. Pro Life
By GoJo Staff on May 23, 2011
A new Gallup poll says Americans continue to be evenly split over the issue of abortion, but for the first time since 2008, the number of people who consider themselves pro-choice is larger than the pro-life group. Gallup: Abortion – May 22, 2011"

and

Gay Marriage
By GoJo Staff on May 23, 2011
For the first time in the history of the poll, a Gallup survey reveals most Americans are in favor of allowing gay couples to legally marry. 53% say gay couples should have the same legal rights as other married couples. Gallup: Gay Marriage – May 20, 2011

and possibly the most telling:

For What It Is Worth
By GoJo Staff on May 27, 2011
A series of polls taken over the last few months by the Democratic polling firm, Public Policy Polling, shows if voters in more than a half dozen states had to do it over again, they would have voted for the Democratic candidate for governor in almost every case.
The problem for the Democrats is; they can’t do it over again. Not for three and a half years

Except for those states that have recall elections. 
I wish THAT was something that the legislature would consider adding to the MN Constitution as an Amendment.

But this may be one of the most interesting ideas that our legislature should consider, something that unlike their culture wars and bizarre spending-cut-only-don't-address-revenue budget ideas that are so unpopular, could easily gain genuine bipartisan support here; keep a small surplus (if we ever see one again) and then provide a rebate.  I like this idea:

Kicker Rebate
By GoJo Staff on May 27, 2011
As a governor, tax rebates are nothing you want to change if you don’t have to.

In Oregon, they have a constitutionally protected kicker rebate that means residents get a check at the end of the each year if state revenues exceed projections by a certain percentage. Now, Governor John Kitzhaber(D) has been sent a bill that would end the practice of sending out checks – just before Christmas – with a tax credit to be claimed the following year.

His office is not indicating whether he plans to sign it, which is a good sign he might not

.