(AP) New Ulm, Minn.– If New Ulm’s mayor gets his way, the governor and legislative leaders will duke out their differences in a wrestling ring filled with sauerkraut. The idea came from two radio announcers who proposed on the air that Republicans Governor Tim Pawlenty and House Speaker Steve Sviggum, and DFLer Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson jump into Heritagefest’s haybale-lined ring filled with sawdust, vinegar and fermented cabbage.
The leaders are trying to hashing out last-minute disputes over the state’s budget to end Minnesota’s first partial government shutdown. New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht signed off on the idea and even sent formal invitations to the leaders. The first bout at the sauerkraut wrestling show takes place tomorrow evening with another chance to catch the action on July 16th.

My humble advice: That’s a photo Pawlenty will not want around during a presidential run.