Posted: Saturday, 26 April 2008 13:56
by Dave Mindeman
Now that the Governor is beginning to expand the use of his veto pen to resolutions, there are persistent rumors that more expansion of that power is imminent.
Deep throat informants have told me that deep within the bowels of the Governor's mansion, a secret working group has been formed that is working on more ways to expand the power of the veto.
One of the persistent rumors is that the Governor has commissioned VETO tape to be made. This tape has the red letters VETO emblazoned on the outside and would be used in special legislative debate circumstances. 3M has been commissioned to find something strong enough that could be used over Rep. Rukavina's mouth (so far they have failed miserably).
One 3M associate was quoted, "There isn't anything THAT strong."
Another item that is being worked on is a special pen. When clicked, this pen will conform to the Governor's own handwriting for VETO purposes. It will be handed out to a special envoy to use while the Governor is on one of his secret big-wig fundraising trips. People chosen to use the pen would be a Taxpayer's League representative or an official from the John McCain campaign.
They are also working on an executive order which would make phone call VETOs allowed. When a call comes through to the Governor's office, he can flip a switch to transfer the call to this message:
Your call does not meet the admininstration's balanced budget criteria, and has therefore been VETOED. Any furthur attempt to contact me will require a 2/3's majority of the switchboard operators.
It would cut down on annoyance calls like telemarketers, fundraising calls, or calls from Speaker Kelliher or Leader Pogemiller....you know, stuff like that.
That's Governor Pawlenty. Looking out for truth, justice, and the enhanced power of the state executive branch.
