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The big lesson from Minnesota is that the unthinkable is possible.

Political scientist Lawrence Jacobs on Minnesota's state shutdown, which is in its second week with no budget deal in sight. Minnesota’s government shutdown is now the longest of any state in nearly a decade.

Political scientist Lawrence Jacobs on Minnesota's state shutdown, which is in its second week with no budget deal in sight. Minnesota’s government shutdown is now the longest of any state in nearly a decade.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.