Al Franken isn’t the only news in Minnesota politics. One of the Gopher State’s more innovative approaches to good government — giving citizens refunds of up to $50 for political donations, designed to encourage giving among low- and middle-income citizens — appears to be on its way out. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty eliminated the program’s funding through June 30, 2011, citing budgetary concerns.  

We wrote about the refunds last winter as part of an exploration into Minnesota’s success at fostering political competition — especially compared with Massachusetts. Some experts credited the refunds with getting more voters involved in politics and more names on the ballot. In 2006, small-time donors — people giving $100 or less — played a more significant role in Minnesota than in any other state with gubernatorial and legislative elections. Minnesota also had the nation’s most robust competition for legislative seats in 2008. 

Next year, then, will offer a test case of the connection between donation and participation. Will the lack of refunds mean fewer small-time givers and, if so, will Minnesota lose its distinction as the only state to have at least two candidates in every House race?