Lakers, North Stars - Vikings?

[CalVkg]

The NFL is bringing in the big guns, Roger Goodell and Art Rooney, to try and talk some sense into MN politicians. Good luck with that. In a sign that things have turned seriously pessimistic on the stadium's prospects, Lester Bagley, the Vikings, and the league have begun a full frontal assault starting with NFL Executive V.P. Eric Grubman making the media rounds today to say the time to act is now, to not wait, and don't believe that this deal can get done later. Grubman kept saying that the NFL doesn't threaten, then went on to describe, on ESPN 1500, what will happen next, and it certainly was a threat for the Vikings to leave Minnesota. Bagley has asked what else can the Vikings do, and said there is no next year. Whether it's perceived as a direct or an implied threat, the Vikings and the NFL now need to play the relocation card. Cleveland thought they could wait, too, as they built new venues for the Cavs and Indians, and then lost their Browns, only to regret it and build a new stadium, getting an NFL team, and the Browns' name back a few years later. The Vikings, if they leave, will probably be gone from Minnesota as their home forever, name and all. The Wilfs have been more than patient and well-mannered throughout this whole process, but now the gloves must come off, and fans need to help keep our Vikings in Minnesota. The Stars in Dallas aren't north, and there aren't many lakes in Los Angeles, and not many Vikings, either, for now. Contact your representatives and make your feelings known, http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legdir.aspx, or let your favorite team go the way of the Lakers and North Stars.

[Big Johnny]

Cal, I have a feeling things are gonna get real fugly before it's all said and done. Now comes the bribes and arm twisting, too much money at stake. What I dont get is how the naysayers are saying it's welfare for the Biggie? He's chipping in damn near half the cost and is only gonna use it ten times a year, the state will own it and be able to use it the other 355 days of the year. Seems to be a real lack of common sense here but it is Minnesota politics I guess.

[CalVkg]

First move -

...Wilf's jet reportedly spotted in L.A.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_20434290/senjem-now-expects-senate-panel-take-up-vikings

Mpls. might not have the votes anyway, but now might be the best time to get it done according to Bakk in the article, not after the Nov. election, which I find to be against conventional wisdom.

[CalVkg]

Finally, with a billion dollars and much more at stake, a vote is scheduled for Monday. Over the next few days, expect lots of lobbying, egotism, promises, threats, arm-twisting, and maybe even some behind-the-scene deals, bribes, and head-locks:

The Associated Press

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota legislative Republicans are dropping a last-minute proposal to finance a new $975 million Minnesota Vikings stadium by issuing bonds directly tied to the state's general treasury and are scheduling a vote on an existing proposal for Monday.

House Majority Leader Matt Dean cited "impediments" on Thursday for giving up on their general obligation bonding proposal that came to light only Tuesday. House Speaker Kurt Zellers said the Legislature will vote Monday on another plan that relies on an expansion of gambling.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, lawmakers from his party and some Republicans have been trying to figure out how to finance the new Vikings stadium. The team no longer has a lease to play in the Metrodome.

Zellers says personally opposes the bill and isn't sure it'll pass.

[CalVkg]

The MN House and Senate have passed their versions of stadium bills, and there doesn't seem to be anything that can't be successfully reconciled. I watched a little bit of the live feeds from both shows, and I ended up deciding to 'rise in favor of'.....leaving their web sites. Vote for campaign finance reform, folks.

The no blackout stipulation won’t fly with the NFL, so I can’t see it being included in a final bill because it’s too far-reaching, it diminishes the NFL's control, and it would set a precedent the NFL can't and shouldn't tolerate. The Wolfs, er, Wilfs, who are really going to make bank on this deal, would be stupid not to fork over a little more dough to get this done. Besides, how much in promises and bribes (don't be surprised if they make a few campaign contributions) are they spending? So, it looks like it’ll get passed.

Then there will probably be a lawsuit filed against the stadium bill on behalf of Mpls. voters, but by the time that gets worked over, it'll be too late, and the momentum should carry the deal through, unless some smart-azz lawyer pulls a rabbit out of a hat. Years later, there'll be plenty of bitching about the pull-tab funding falling short, so they'll have to find some other sucker sector of the middle class to pay for the thing, but, hey, if we get a title as the Minnesota Vikings, we can all die happy.

I'm cynically optimistic that the Vikings will get their long-awaited stadium and stay in MN, for a while, anyways.

[CalVkg]

The Vikings are staying in MN where they belong. It's good to see the city council of socialists delve into some facism on this one for us.