Vikings Stadium Caught In Capitol Stare Down

A chief author of the Minnesota Vikings stadium plan said Sunday it was "very questionable" that the project would win approval unless Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders first reach agreement on other issues. "Without a global agreement, without an agreement on a bonding bill and a tax bill," said Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead, "it's very questionable whether there will be a vote on the stadium." Lanning's comments were the surest sign that Republicans were digging in their heels on broader differences with the DFL governor as the Legislature headed into what may be its final few days. Lanning seemed to dangle the promise of the stadium passing the Republican-controlled House -- he said there were enough votes -- but said it all depended on Dayton's willingness to agree to business tax relief and a smaller state bond package. Dayton and the Republicans held no direct talks Sunday, and the atmosphere at the deserted state Capitol was suddenly reminiscent of last summer, when the budget impasse led to a state government shutdown. The governor said Saturday that the Republicans' "view of compromise is doing things their way" and "that's just not going to work this time."

Source: Star-Tribune
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