Red Ink Storm

It's ON. Minnesota is projecting a budget deficit of $5.2 billion and our noble Governor Pawlenty wants a 10% spending cuts and no new taxes to tackle the problem. This undoubtedly means that the next Legislative Session is going to be fun. Fun in the same way a pair of pliers peeling off your big toe nail is fun, I would imagine.

But apart from a potential cat fight in St. Paul, the big question that no one has mentioned yet is this: whither the Vikings? Granted, they're in first place in the NFC North right now, but being in first place in the NFC North is like being in third place or even fourth place in pretty much any other division. We're not talking a lot of bench strength here- and with their lease on the Metrodome set to expire in 2011, if they want to move into a shiny new stadium in time for 2011, they need to seal the deal this year. This is the year.

Will the Vikes up and move to LA? I doubt it- NFL Owners would probably veto that, because if it happens, they won't be able to use the threat of an LA move to get shiny new things. And the fact of the matter is that the Vikes need new digs.

But the Governor is playing hardball. And with the economy in the state its in, the rest of the Legislature may not want to play ball either... granted, there is an argument to be made. An investment in a new stadium would mean construction jobs and investment in the local economy- and the long term benefits of a facility that could host things like Super Bowls and potentially Olympics (if white bread Chicago can land 'em, why not Minneapolis?) would be undeniable.

There's a sale the Vikes can make. The question is: will the legislature listen?