Capitol View: January 22, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 1-22-07

Posted at 7:56 AM on January 22, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Governor Pawlenty releases his budget proposal this morning at 11:30. We'll have details on MPR's Midday program. MPR and the AP have preview stories.

There's a tax bill showdown coming in the Minnesota Senate. Forum Communications has a story.

MPR has a story on inflation in the budget and the politics behind it.

The Winona Daily News has a rundown on where things stand right now on the big issues.

The Star Tribune has a story on the former lawmakers who lost their seats but won a hike in pay through appointments. Here's who they are and their new salaries.

GOP Rep. Mark Olson gets a new attorney.

WCCO says there's a bill that would allow anglers to double the number of lines that they can use when they go fishin'.

The annual MCCL rally will be held today. Planned Parenthood will also announce their priorities. Governor Pawlenty is expected to speak at the MCCL rally after he gives his budget address. AP has a preview. The Pi Press has a story on which social issues will be debated this session.

There's also a proposal to cut the Lieutenant Governor.

The Star Tribune notices the lack of applause during Governor Pawlenty's state of the state.

AP says many in Minnesotans already qualify for health coverage but don't take advantage of it.

The AP quotes Pawlenty in this story on growing support for universal health care.

The Star Tribune says the wetland loan act is gaining steam.

Congress

The Star Tribune has a story on GOP Congressman Jim Ramstad's decision to break ranks and sign on to the Democratic agenda.

Bachmann tells the St. Cloud Times why she kept voting no on the bills in the 100 hour agenda.

DFL Congressman Tim Walz says Congress can't cut off war funding.

The Star Tribune has a story saying the DFL is wrong on its criticism of Norm Coleman's opposition to the troop surge because he opposed a surge in Baghdad but not one in Anbar.

Coleman is also mentioned in this Fox News story on Somalia.

Coleman and DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar will attend a meeting on the swift meat packing plant raid.

WCCO-TV says Coleman and Pawlenty visited an injured soldier.

Forum Communications has a story on Minnesota's diverse delegation.

The Minnesota Daily details where the delegation stands on cutting student interest rates.

Klobuchar is mentioned in this Voice of America show.

Klobuchar has an op-ed on the decision by Congress to challenge President Bush.

The Church Report says DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum opposes the federal gay marriage amendment.

The U.S. and the EU are near a deal on farm trade (DFL Congressman Collin Peterson is mentioned).

Peterson and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin also talk alternative energy at a forum in Iowa.

2008

Forum Communications has a story on the decision by Pawlenty and former DFL Congressman (and IP gubernatorial candidate) Tim Penny to endorse Arizona Senator John McCain for president.

Hotline says Pawlenty made an appearance at the McCain party last Thursday at the GOP winter meeting.

Pawlenty and Penny may have to work a little harder for McCain. The Boston Herald reports that John McCain's support among independents in New Hampshire has collapsed.

Blog Watch

Minnesota Monitor details how Minnesota's congressional delegation voted on the 100 hour agenda.

Minnesota Policy Soup takes a look at education financing.

Across the Great Divide criticizes MPR's Fantasy Legislature.

Smart Politics says the speeches by Pawlenty and the governors of Iowa and Wisconsin are similar.

Quote of the day

"Has there ever been a session where abortion hasn't been an issue?" MCCL executive director Scott Fischbach in a Pi Press story on social issues.

Finally, the week in political cartoons.