RNC Host Committee disappointed there's no state money for convention

[dflprincess]

Actually, the title of the article should be "party of small government wants government help". :rofl:

http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/19212904.html

The local committee hosting the Republican National Convention says it's disappointed the state didn't follow through on a promised financial guarantee.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Jeff Larson, chief executive of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, told Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders the state's failure to offer financial backing in the event of a cash flow shortage "creates a serious risk of breach of our agreement with the RNC."

Larson asked state and local leaders to find an alternative way to fulfill the state's commitment. In a phone interview on Friday, he didn't offer suggestions but said he hoped "creative minds can come together."...

The Legislature didn't pass a bill seeking a $39 million letter of credit in 2007. And in the 2008 session that ended Sunday, a smaller amount of $14 million wasn't approved, either.

Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said in an e-mail Friday that the governor had "repeatedly and directly" asked the Legislature to secure financial backing for the committee.

"Those requests were rejected by DFL legislative leaders, including when the request was made during the final negotiations to close up the budget," McClung wrote. "This was particularly frustrating because the Department of Finance said that the transaction would be revenue neutral and would not impact the state budget."

Larson said the state's inaction isn't likely to have financial consequences for the convention; the last two Republican National Conventions have had letters of credit that weren't drawn upon....

Sure, Tim. No money for schools, health care or housing but we can float the RNC a loan. And given the fiscal responsibility Republicans have shown you think we can trust them to pay it back?

[Minnesota Raindog]

1. Welcome to the era of personal responsibility, Republicans

"This was particularly frustrating because the Department of Finance said that the transaction would be revenue neutral and would not impact the state budget."

So, if it would be revenue neutral, why can't the MNGOP back up their commitment? Bill Cooper could probably scrape $14 million out of his sofa. This isn't some bipartisan affair to serve all taxpayers. This is the Republican National Convention, for chrisakes. Let these maggots pay for their own party.:nopity:

[loveable liberal]

2. Poor, poor timmy the tool....

Rove should have picked a red state. He chose Minne just to poke a stick in our eye. F them.

[annm4peace]

3. bahhh hahhaaaaaa

I saw this headline first thing when I woke up this morning and brought up the internet.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Republicans decide they can't have the Convention in MN and move to a red state.

I knew the Republicans would stiff the cities and they will probably be stuck with the bill

[Deja Q]

4. K&R if I could.