mediation:

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has hinted that his January budget proposal will include proposals to privatize some of what the state owns or does. The Republican is looking for cash to help close a $5.27 billion deficit without raising taxes.

GOP lawmakers are pushing to privatize the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the state lottery. Both steps require a higher authority — federal legislation in the case of the airport, a voter-approved constitutional amendment for the lottery. But one lawmaker estimated an airport deal could bring in at least $2.5 billion, and the lottery $500 million.

Awesome.  No help from dwindling national budgets + a slowing economy has caused a climate where states face huge budget challenges, particularly in states where, oh,  ideologue Governors have signed pledges for no new taxes.  Privatization?  Seriously?  What the fuck is this, 2005?

Quick! Privatize it now so they can get a bail out too!  Also, sit on it T Paw.