Push for Vikings Stadium Continues Despite Deficit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A gloomy state budget forecast isn’t deterring those who want a new Vikings stadium.

A couple dozen fans, part of a group called SavetheVikes.org, held a rally on Dec. 3 at the Capitol to urge state leaders to find a way to build the team a new home.

The group is emphasizing the jobs a stadium construction project would bring.

State finance officials delivered another dreary economic forecast, predicting a $1.2 billion shortfall through mid-2011 and a bigger gap after that.

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty said the deficit hurts the chances of state help for a stadium.