Senate GOP split on Real funding

Despite nearly two hours of discussion behind closed doors Monday, Senate Republicans still haven't decided whether the state should take action to keep the Real Salt Lake soccer team in Utah.

GOP senators were split on the issue, said Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, so they'll try again today to reach an agreement on a deal brokered by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to use hotel-room taxes to help pay for a Sandy stadium.

"Some people are very, very opposed to it. Some people very, very for it. We've got caucus members who are on both sides," Valentine said of the 21 of 29 senators who are Republicans. "I think it'll come down to a tight vote on the floor."

Lawmakers are under the gun to make up their minds quickly. Huntsman has said action must be taken by Friday or the team will leave the state for the St. Louis area or, possibly, Philadelphia. In fact, negotiations are already under way to move the team.

Team owner Dave Checketts is expected to fly to St. Louis today, where managing partner Jeff Cooper of Simmons Cooper is expected to give a formal offer to purchase the team and also present details of where a soccer stadium could be built in numerous suburb locations around St. Louis.

Team officials had no comment Monday.

Valentine said Huntsman asked for the caucus to decide by today whether it will advance the needed legislation. "We feel like the deadline is approaching and we need to make a decision," Valentine said.

The governor met briefly with Valentine after Monday's caucus to talk about questions raised by senators about the proposal, including whether the state would own the land that would be purchased with $15 million in transient room taxes collected through 2022.

"We're working to address some of the questions presented by legislators," said Huntsman's spokesman, Mike Mower. "This is a matter that needs to be addressed this week. Governor Huntsman is optimistic that the Legislature will expedite the review of this important proposal."

Valentine said senators want to make sure the mechanism proposed by Huntsman makes sense. Valentine is expected to have answers from the governor's office in time for today's noontime caucus.

The House has already passed a bill that would set aside transient room taxes for a $20 million parking facility. But that bill, HB38, would have to be amended in the Senate to set aside the additional $15 million needed for the stadium project.

"I think all of us agree that the parking garage was a commitment made two years ago," Valentine said. "The question is: Will we take that next step?" So far, he said, there is no Senate sponsor for the House bill.