Minnesota Lawmakers to Float Alternative Stadium Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - One of the Legislature's most liberal Democrats and one of its most conservative Republicans are joining the Minnesota Vikings stadium fray with what they are calling an "alternative stadium plan."

Democratic Sen. John Marty of Roseville and Republican Rep. Linda Runbeck of Circle Pines are holding a Capitol news conference Friday morning to unveil their proposal. Both have been longtime foes of public subsidies for building professional sports stadiums. Both also represent parts of Ramsey County, where there's strong public opposition to a current plan to build the new stadium on a suburban parcel in Arden Hills.

Gov. Mark Dayton held a series of meetings this week as he pushes for a special session for lawmakers to vote on a Vikings stadium package. Dayton says he'll keep meeting on the issue and hopes to release his own stadium proposal in early November.

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