CAN MINNESOTA WIN LEGISLATION ON A NEW BALLPARK?

          Pro-stadium group Minnesota Wins said that a new poll
     it commissioned shows that the stadium issue "could swing
     some legislative races" in '98 if legislators reject a
     gambling-linked ballpark finance package and the Twins move,
     according to Jay Weiner of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. 
     The 607-person poll conducted by MN-based Decision Resources
     Ltd. of Minneapolis, found that "up to" 14% of state voters
     "would punish their legislators for voting against a
     ballpark package if gambling were the funding sources and
     the Twins fled."  The poll also shows 7% of voters would
     "reward" legislators for such a vote.  Political consultant
     John Himle said that net swing of 7% "could affect tight
     races in the" '98 House elections.  State Sen. John
     Hottinger called the poll "highly suspect" since it was paid
     for by Minnesota Wins "at a cost of about $10,000."  Weiner
     adds the poll "reflects ambivalence among Minnesotans." 
     Asked first if they would support a new stadium, 59% said
     no.  But later, asked if they would support a ballpark if
     there were no "new taxes and no state general revenues
     used," 73% said yes (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/30).