Scuttlebutt in the Capitol hallways is that a relatively inconsequential, nonbinding resolution — which urges the president and Congress to end the trade, financial and travel restrictions to Cuba that limit Minnesota business opportunities — might be vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Because the resolution is in a bill format, Pawlenty gets to weigh in on the matter, Senate experts say. He has until Saturday midnight to sign or veto it or let it pass without his signature. The resolution was approved in the Senate last year and finally by the House on April 17; it was sent to the governor today.
Although some legislators say such resolutions are virtually never vetoed, some wonder if Pawlenty might strike it down. “Maybe he’s trying to curry favor with McCain,” said one DFL lawmaker. Republican Presidential John McCain has supported the current Cuban embargo, and Pawlenty long has been considered to be on his short list of vice-presidential choices.
