The Daily Digest: 1-5-07

Posted at 10:17 AM on January 5, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Happy Birthday former Vice President Walter Mondale.

The Digest's psychic powers are off the charts today. It foresees a showdown over taxes between Governor Pawlenty and Senate DFLers. Senate DFLers released their slate of legislative proposals which include several tax increases. AP and Pi Press have stories. The Star Tribune leads with their proposed property tax plan.

Governor Pawlenty told reporters after his speech to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce that he opposes the tax hikes. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories on his speech and comments.

Pawlenty is also pressing for quick action on tax deductions.

The Star Tribune also reports on a dedicated sales tax proposal for the arts and the environment.

The St. Cloud Times focuses on the Senate DFL education plan and its author, Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud.

MPR also has a story saying arts groups are setting their sites on funding.

Mary Pawlenty leaves the bench for a new job. The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

AP has a q and a with Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson.

The House is looking for a new chaplain.

Congress

MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, Forum Communications and the St. Cloud Times all have stories on yesterday's events in Congress.

DFL Congressman Keith Ellison received plenty of attention. He also wrote an op-ed on Wasthington Post's "On Faith" site yesterday (thanks to bob for the heads up).

DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar and Ellison are also mentioned in this NY Times story.

Klobuchar gets a double dip in the NY Times and is included in this story on ethics.

MSNBC profiles Congresswoman Michele Bachmann in this story on a study in contrasts.

The National Journal (via MSNBC) has profiles of the freshman here.

Forum Communications also focuses on the Minnesota's rise in power in the U.S. House.

Norm Coleman introduces legislation that would help manufacturing workers who lost their jobs because of international trade.

Coleman also writes on "The Hill's" Congress Blog that a balanced budget is the responsibility of Congress.

Blog Watch

City Hall Scoop says the RNC is powering up for the 2008 convention.

Buzz.MN also says RNC officials were in town on Thursday to discuss the convention.

Dick Polman's American Debate says Democrats in Washington are having some problems from their more liberal supporters.

Again, please let me know if you see or write anything of interest.

Comings and goings.

MPR is reporting that GOP Senator Norm Coleman will be at the White House today to talk with President Bush about the Iraq war and a possible troop surge.

TPT's Almanac will have four freshman state lawmakers and video of the inauguration dinner in Minneapolis (I'm told Governor Pawlenty and First Lady Mary Pawlenty gush over each other).

You can check out the rundown here.

Quote of the day

"Maybe they're here for you." Democrat Keith Ellison's response after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told him he knew how to attract a crowd. Ellison received plenty of attention for being the first Muslim elected to Congress and for taking the oath of office on Thomas Jefferson's Koran.

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