The good cheer was expressed before state Sen. Thomas Bakk announced he was looking into running for governor, but state Rep. Tom Emmer gave mad props to Bakk the day 2008 legislative session adjourned.
 
Emmer, a staunch conservative Republican from Delano, and Bakk, a moderate Democrat from Cook, likely don't share too much ideology on paper. And Emmer is hardly known for praising anyone on the other side of the aisle around the Capitol. But in recounting the final hours of bipartisan negotiations that closed a $1 billion budget shortfall, Emmer singled out Bakk as a crucial player.

Bakk, who is the Senate's Tax Committee chair, announced earlier this week he was exploring a run for governor. By Emmer's estimation, Bakk's tax and fiscal knowledge were impressive.
 
"I was surprised the senator came to the table at all, but he was very helpful," Emmer told me 10 days ago. "He's a class act."