Polinaut: February 7, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 2-7-07

Posted at 8:34 AM on February 7, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Several stem cell researchers at the U of M say Governor Pawlenty's restrictions on embryonic stem cell research are too limited and aren't based on science. MPR has the story. The bill gets a hearing in a House committee today.

AP says former DFL Senate Majority Leader John Hottinger could lose his law license.

The Pi Press has a story on a high school that is already meeting Pawlenty's call for a more rigorous high school.

But the St. Cloud Times says several schools are questioning some parts of Pawlenty's budget.

The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul make a plea for more funding. The Pi Press has the story.

Forum Communications says a bill increasing family planning money moves through a House Committee.

MPR says some lawmakers want to weigh in on benefits for Northwest Airlines.

MPR has a story on the Senate early ed proposal and the price tag.

The Star Tribune takes a broader look at early learning.

The chair of the Senate Transportation committee blames slow driving and accidents on a funding shortfall at MNDOT. He blames Pawlenty for not signing a transportation funding bill in '05. Forum Communications and WCCO have stories.

The Star Tribune continues its quest to cover all things stadium by saying some lawmakers want debt relief for Xcel Energy Center.

Congress

The Hill says Democrats will try again on the resolution ripping the troop surge. GOP Senator Norm Coleman also says MoveOn.org can't sway him.

Coleman tells Bloomberg that he wants a full discussion on the resolution.

He also has an op-ed on his position.

The New York Times quotes DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar in this story. She's not happy about the GOP decision to block the resolution in the U.S. Senate.

Klobuchar also makes a floor speech on Iraq.

Here's the committee list for Minnesota's delegation.

The Stillwater Gazette has a story on GOP Congresswoman Michele Bachmann's agenda and discusses the "kiss" backlash.

GOP Congressman Jim Ramstad tells the Washington Post that it's inappropriate for President Bush to cut home heating assistance in his budget when it's cold in Minnesota.

DFL Congressman Keith Ellison will be in Detroit later this month with Jesse Jackson.

The High Plains Journal says Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is confident about the farm bill. DFL Congressman Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Peterson calls for a biodiesel standard.

2008
Pawlenty is headed to Michigan this week to stump for John McCain.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak tells Eric Black that he won't rule out a run for the U.S. Senate.

Black also lists others who are in and out on his blog.

Roll Call says former state senator Sharon Marko is thinking about challenging John Kline.

BlogWatch

Red State has an interview with Governor Pawlenty.

Krinkie joins Taxpayers League

Posted at 5:16 PM on February 7, 2007 by Tom Scheck

Here's the release. Krinkie lost his seat in last year's election.

Former State Rep. Philip Krinkie Joins Taxpayers League Team

Krinkie served as Chair of Tax Committee

St Paul—Former State Representative Philip Krinkie (R-Lino Lakes) is joining the Taxpayers League of Minnesota and has agreed to serve as its President.

Krinkie, long known as one of the most fiscally conservative legislator at the capitol, narrowly lost his bid for reelection this year by a margin of 51 votes. Krinkie was first elected in 1990, and in his 16 years in the Legislature served as Chairman of the State Government Finance Committee, the Capital Investment Committee, and finally as Chairman of the Tax Committee. He has been characterized as “a feisty budget hawk…and consistent straight shooter” (City Pages interview, November 14).

Krinkie is joining a formidable team at the Taxpayers League of Minnesota. Since January 2004 David Strom has headed the League as President, replacing former State Senator Linda Runbeck who served in that role from 2001-4. The League has built a reputation as a political powerhouse through its aggressive lobbying for lower taxes and limited government. Strom will remain on board as a part-time employee at the League, but will focus his efforts on expanding the reach of the Taxpayers League Foundation, of which he remains President. The Foundation publishes educational research on the size, scope, and role of government.

“I am thrilled to turn over the reigns of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota to Phil Krinkie,” Strom said. “I can think of no one better suited to fighting for the interests of taxpayers at the Capitol. Phil knows the ways of government inside and out, and nobody understands the Byzantine logic of the Legislature better,” Strom said.

“I have always fought for the interests of taxpayers at the capitol. With the change in power at the Legislature, taxpayers are besieged by people itching to raise their taxes,” said Krinkie.

“I love a good fight, and this is a target-rich environment.

“Our first priority will be ensuring the Governor can sustain his vetoes. If conservatives can’t do that, then Katie bar the door. It will be a tax and spending free-for-all at the Capitol,” Krinkie added.

“I look forward to working with David and the whole Taxpayers League team to safeguard the taxpayers. The best defense is a good offense,” Krinkie concluded.

Strom will continue hosting the radio program Taxpayers League Live along with his wife Margaret Martin. It can be heard Saturdays 9-11 on AM 1280..

The Taxpayers League is Minnesota’s largest taxpayer advocacy organization. It was founded in 1997, and will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this year.

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