I did pretty well with my predictions for 2011, although I was a little early on the Vikings stadium and constitutional amendment ballot questions. I predicted they would be passed in 2011. The Vikings stadium nearly happened and one constitutional amendment is on the ballot so far. I think those will be finished in 2012.

So what will happen in 2012? Here are my predictions; leave your own in the comments.

Legislative Session

• This year’s session will be short, with very little getting done.
• The “surplus” forecast for the coming biennium will disappear, but legislators won’t be forced to revisit the budget and make additional cuts, either.
• Though it is a bonding year, a bonding bill will not be passed. Republicans will call it irresponsible borrowing, and incorrectly compare it to the borrowing they did to balance the operating budget.
• In lieu of a real bonding bill, we’ll get a Vikings stadium.
• The legislature will complete its work putting a number of constitutional amendments on the 2012 ballot. I predict we’ll end up with three.

2012 Elections

• The DFL will retake the majority in both houses of the Legislature.
• Chip Cravaack will be defeated in CD8.
• All of our other Representatives will retain their seats. If Michele Bachmann decides not to run for re-election, which is likely, her seat will remain Republican.
• Amy Klobuchar will cruise to reelection.

Constitutional Amendments

• The anti-marriage amendment will dominate the 2012 campaign, and will ultimately be defeated.
• A voter ID amendment will be placed on the ballot, and will succeed.
• An amendment will be placed on the ballot to make it harder for the legislature to raise taxes — that will also be defeated.