Expect more back-and-forth legal briefs this week but probably no ruling yet, after Republicans asked a judge to order Governor Mark Dayton to restore funding he vetoed for the legislature. Hamline University Professor David Schultz says he’s not sure Republicans’ request will be granted, because the Supreme Court is probably hoping they can drag out the case until lawmakers return to Saint Paul in February. Schultz says, “At that point I think the court’s hoping that the whole case will be moot because the legislature’s back in session: they can override the governor’s veto or do whatever they want.” A Ramsey County judge initially ruled in Republicans’ favor but the Supreme Court sided with Governor Dayton. And although the high court ordered the two sides into mediation — which was unsuccessful — it has not made any rulings beyond that.
Schultz says about Republicans’ request of the court, “Even if they don’t get the legal ruling at all, I think this is smart politics for them.” Schultz says that’s because Republicans can then go on the campaign trail saying Dayton acted improperly, the Supreme Court refused to decide, and Minnesota wouldn’t have this problem with a Republican governor.
More in Bill Werner’s complete interview with Prof. Schultz: