The Dayton era begins in Minnesota... Thank God!

While political life in Minnesota may not be all roses, progressives in our state welcome in a new era today, as Mark Dayton takes the oath of office, today in St. Paul.

The Dayton administration will face challenges, as the new Democratic governor will have to work with Republican majorities in both the state House and Senate. All parties are facing a $6 billion budget deficit, left behind by Tim Pawlenty's inability to work with the previous legislature.

One of TPaw's legacies that will be quickly flushed when Dayton settles in, will be the money set aside for this state for extended Medicaid benefits, by the Federal government, that were blocked by the now former governor.

In my opinion, Pawlenty's biggest legacy was his obvious disregard for the poor. Minnesota has always been known as a state that looked after those who were less fortunate. Had there not been a Democratic majority in the legislature, who knows how much he would have gutted desperately needed social programs. As it is, I have never seen so many destitute people in this state, as I have in the past 8 years.

So as Tim Pawlenty gets ready leave his political stepping stone known as the state of Minnesota, may he know that even the simplest minded of us saw through his "aw shucks" persona. And as he embarks on his laughable dive into the national political arena, let me be one of many Minnesotans that will be ecstatic to see him go.

And as you leave the Governor's Mansion Timothy, don't let the door hit you in the ass!

Adios...