I realize a flu scare and even a big coke bust are front-page news, but the Strib doesn't lead with its own poll results showing Gov. Pawlenty's approval rating "lower than it's ever been." At 48 percent, TPaw still nets a plus-12 (36 percent disapprove), but he's in the political danger zone. One reason: most Minnesotans reject his tax policies. When asked how to close the state's deficit, 54 percent back tax hikes versus 40 percent who'd go the no-increase route.

More poll: Strib headline writers say the public favors "tax my neighbor policies," and that's true, assuming you don't smoke, drink, earn lots or own a corporation. In order, the public likes higher taxes on booze (70 percent), tobacco (69 percent), the rich (67 percent) and corporations (57 percent). Only 37 percent favor a broad-based income tax, which Senate DFLers propose.

Still more poll: On the spending side, a majority favors cutting state aid to cities and counties, but no other areas. When it comes to state workers, the public sides with Pawlenty: 70 percent favor a two-year pay freeze and 59 percent back 24 unpaid furlough days per year. Ouch.

Taxophiles — and given the Strib's polling, can we call them the "silent majority"? — will stage an anti-tea party at the Capitol May 11, the St. Paul Legal Ledger notes via a Dane Smith guest commentary. Smith, who heads Growth & Justice, says the rally advocates a balanced approach to cutting the state deficit. Radical. He notes the share of state wealth going to taxes is at a 10-year low, and our ranking among states has never been lower. (Growth & Justice was founded by MinnPost publisher Joel Kramer.)