The first public word on how the Minnesota legislature is going to redraw the state’s district lines has emerged in the last couple of days.  I hope that the leadership in the Minnesota legislature sees this as the opportunity it is – to show how statesmen and stewards behave, not the raw politics of partisan advantage.

The DFL has tied itself closely to the idea that every problem can and should be solved by growth of government.  This unavoidably boils down to the irresponsible idea that all government spending is good, and every problem should be solved with higher taxes. This is becoming apparent to the average voter.

The GOP is trying to be the grown-up in the room, but if the GOP allows its members to indulge in high-sounding rhetoric about prudence, responsibility, and fairness, while actually seeking raw partisan advantage, the voters will rightly see hypocrisy.  They can be expected to punish that GOP in 2012.

We cannot afford to allow this to happen.

The GOP is in charge in the Minnesota legislature.  The GOP must show how they can do their duty as good stewards, and not as partisan hacks.  The People rule, here.  Efforts to “tilt” the table to give advantage to one party or the other may seem like sweet justice for past abuse, but we must not give in to that temptation.

I call on the GOP leadership in the Minnesota Legislature to do their level best to draw the 2010 districts in the most fair, non-partisan way possible.  This may be hard, but it is the right thing to do, both politically and morally.