Vikings fans descend on Capitol as stadium debate approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Hard hats and football jerseys mingled at the state Capitol as construction workers and Minnesota Vikings fans chanted "Build it!" ahead of a critical vote on a proposed $1 billion stadium.

Gov. Mark Dayton greeted the group Monday and praised their support in the hours before an afternoon debate in the House.

The House vote may not come until after midnight. A Senate vote would come next on a separate version of the bill.

Supporters weren't ready to predict passage. But one Democrat, Rep. Ryan Winkler, says he is changing his "no" vote to "yes" because he sees the stadium as the only job-producing project likely to come out of the Legislature this session.

House leaders planned the debate and vote for later Monday. The stadium debate is expected to go on for hours, and the vote might not come until after midnight.

If passed in the House, the stadium proposal still faces a number of steps through the legislative process.

A Senate vote would follow on a separate version of the bill. If that gets through the Senate, the varying bills would have to be reconciled in a conference committee before final votes in both chambers.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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