Gov. Pawlenty’s appeal in the unallotment lawsuit (which has been granted expedited review and will go straight to the state Supreme Court) is due for oral arguments March 15, but the appellants’ briefs are due today and the first few have just landed.
I haven’t read them yet (and I have to run off to watch my son’s basketball game) but I will try to get through them tonight and file something by morning.
For those who are so motivated that you want to read the briefs for yourself, here are links to the first three that have landed (they are all on the same side of the case):
The main brief of the appellants, that’s Gov. Pawlenty, arguing that (contrary to the ruling by Ramsey District Court Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin) Pawlenty’s unallotments of 2009 were proper, is here. It’s written by the Minnesota attorney general’s office, namely by Solicitor General Alan Gilbert, and by the governor’s own counsel, Patrick Robben. That one is here. [PDF]
An amicus brief by several Republican legislators, including the two top Repub candidates for guv, state Reps. Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. It’s written by attorney Charles Roulet of Maple Grove. That brief is here. [PDF]
An amicus brief by some law professors interested in constitutional law and separation of powers issues. They also take the governor’s side, arguing that his unallotments were proper. That brief is here. [PDF]
There will be at least two, maybe more, briefs on behalf of the original plaintiffs in the case (now, for appeals purposes, the respondents) and an amicus brief on behalf of the state House of Representatives (but really its DFL majority). We’ll post those when we can.
Can someone give Pawlenty’s briefs a wedgie?