Capitol View: December 13, 2006 Archive

Legacy issue?

Posted at 9:04 AM on December 13, 2006 by Mike Mulcahy

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's new energy plan certainly has the feel of something he can point to as a legacy. Although he didn't release many details, it's policy that could set the tone for job growth in rural Minnesota for a generation.

Like former Gov. Arne Carlson's embrace of state-subsidized health care in the early 90's, it's an idea that has been promoted by many Democrats, and seems likely to be warmly embraced by the new DFL majorities in the upcoming session. Proposals like this tend to happen when there's plenty of credit to be shared. And although he did resist Senate DFL calls to go faster on renewables Pawlenty cannot be called a newcomer to the alternative energy issue, having been corn-based ethanol's biggest booster the past few years.

There now seems to be consensus both here and in Washington on renewable energy. This should be interesting to watch.

McCollum named to Appropriations Committee

Posted at 4:01 PM on December 13, 2006 by Tom Scheck

AP-MN--McCollum-Appropriations Committee,0114
McCollum named to Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON (AP) - Congresswoman Betty McCollum has been selected to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, giving Minnesota a voice on a panel that makes key federal spending decisions.
The selection of McCollum, a Democrat from St. Paul, ensures that Minnesota will continue to have a seat on the committee. Representative Martin Sabo (SAY'-boh), a Minneapolis Democrat who had served on the panel, is retiring.
McCollum says she's excited about being on Appropriations because lawmakers can work on policy all they want, but if the dollars aren't there to back up the policy, nothing happens. She says this means she'll be in the room when the dollars are being decided.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-12-13-06 1640EST

The first legislative battleground of 2008

Posted at 5:40 PM on December 13, 2006 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)

Marsha Swails now knows she'll be facing a challenger in her re-election bid in 2008. Sarah Nyhus has filed the necessary paperwork to run in Minnesota House District 56B. She's the first legislative candidate to file since the November election. (UPDATE: Nyhus is a lobbyist).

(Another update: I'm now told Nyhus is no longer a lobbyist. She just has not unregistered with the Campaign Finance Board. She is a real estate agent.)

Swails, a DFLer, defeated GOP incumbent Karen Klinzing in November. Swails hasn't taken her oath of office yet but now knows that she'll be facing a Republican 23 months from now.

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