Apr 24, 2006 9:39 am US/Central
Twins: We've Never Been Closer To A New Stadium
by Esme Murphy
(WCCO)
The Minnesota Twins say the team has never been closer to getting a new stadium than it is right now.
Last week, a proposal for a new stadium passed the Minnesota House Tax Committee on Friday. The bill is scheduled to be heard Monday in the House Ways and Means Committee and if approved, the full House could vote on the proposal Wednesday or Thursday.
This week's House vote is the ballgame, because the Minnesota Senate is expected to support a new stadium for the Twins.
"If the House is able to pass the stadium bill, it will probably become law," said WCCO-TV political analyst Larry Jacobs.
It is also possible that the fragile coalition the Twins have could collapse, in part because of the pressure being placed on some politicians. Republicans, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty, are under fire for their support of a new stadium.
Jacobs said Pawlenty is walking a tight rope between support in the Republican Party and some real reservations on whether this is an appropriate use of government money and authority.
Appearing on WCCO Sunday Morning, House Speaker Steve Sviggum and Minority Leader Matt Entenza predicted the vote will be very close, but passage is likely.
After 10 years of trying, Twins executives know they are on the brink.
"We believe we are in good shape with a bill that can actually build a ballpark and get the job done," said Twins President Dave St. Peter. "So in that respect, we think we are closer than we have ever been."
The biggest concern the Twins have at this point is that a referendum will come back up again at Monday's committee hearing.
Some legislators will again push for a countywide referendum on the proposed Hennepin County sales tax increase, and that would be a deal-breaker.
Experts said there are a number of reasons why the stadium is closer to passing this year than in other years. One reason is because a judge recently ruled the Twins are not bound by the Metrodome lease, so there is real concern the team could leave town.
Another factor could also be both the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Minnesota Vikings football teams have strong stadium proposals.
A third factor: Key leaders are also supporting the stadium, despite the heat they are taking.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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