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).
