MN Gov. Arne Carlson said Friday that he believed
sentiment in the Legislature "is starting to turn toward
approval of state spending" on a new ballpark for the Twins,
according to Patrick Sweeney of the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS.
Carlson: "I think we're in pretty good shape in the Senate.
I still think it's touch-and-go in the House." On Thursday,
legislators will return to a special session to consider a
complex ballpark proposal that calls for Twins Owner Carl
Pohlad to donate the team to a foundation and to guarantee
any operating losses the team might incur during the 3-5
years the foundation would hold it while looking for a new
owner (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 11/8). State Rep. Ron
Erhardt: "The calls tend to be a little more positive"
(Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/8). Today, the Twins will
send team Exec VP Kirby Puckett, former P Bert Blyleven and
team President Jerry Bell around the state to lobby for a
new ballpark (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 11/9).
NOTES: Ads supporting the Twins began appearing on
billboards and city buses over the weekend. The copy read:
"Publicity Fades. Debates End. Baseball is Forever. Call
Your Legislator. Keep the Twins in Minnesota" (STAR
TRIBUNE, 11/8)....A STAR TRIBUNE editorial on Pohlad's
"community ownership" proposal for the Twins: "That doesn't
make the stadium plan perfect. But it ought to make the
plan passable. ... If not, then prepare to kiss the Twins
goodbye" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/9).
