The Daily Digest: 2-12-07

Posted at 8:39 AM on February 12, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

2008 leads the digest. Governor Tim Pawlenty was in Michigan over the weekend to speak on behalf of Arizona Senator John McCain. AP has the story. See an earlier post if you want to hear what he had to say.

Jumpin' Jehosephats! (is this how you spell Jehosephats?) KARE-11 jumps on the VP story bandwagon with stories here and here.

Pawlenty's trip receives some criticism from the Fergus Falls Daily Journal for going to Michigan and cancelling his snowmobile trip to Fergus Falls.

Pawlenty's office says it was because of lack of snow.

That's not all on the '08 front. The Star Tribune says Mike Ciresi has formed an exploratory committee for a U.S. Senate run. Another DFLer, Al Franken, is expected to enter the race on Wednesday. GOP Senator Norm Coleman is running for re-election.

Ciresi's announcement prompts political reporters everywhere to check if the ringers on their phones still work. Oh, I guess he just called Pat Lopez back (nice get, Pat). Sigh.

Legislature

The Pi Press has a story on the creation of the suburban DFL caucus.

Medical marijuana gets another push.

The Star Tribune also has a story on stem cell research and the possibility for state funding.

Pawlenty's property tax cap also sets off a debate in the Legislature.

The St. Cloud Times says the smoking ban debate divides the region's employers.

AP has a story saying smoking bans and higher tobacco taxes could drain the state's coffers.

WCCO-TV also has a story on the push to end dangerous driving.

Congress

Norm Coleman says politics has nothing to do with the criticism of President Bush's Iraq troop surge.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama, DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar and GOP Congressman Jim Ramstad belong to the UCC.

Klobuchar is also mentioned in this story on Democratic voters getting impatient with Congress.

AP has a story on GOP Congressman John Kline's tele-town hall meetings.

DFL Congressman Keith Ellison attends a black summit in Virginia.

He said those who justify not voting are "fools."

DFL Congressman Collin Peterson tells the Pi Press that he likes biofuels.

DFL Congressman Jim Oberstar says Minnesota needs to invest more on roads to get more federal funding.

Other

DFL chair Brian Melendez wins another term.

The Star Tribune has an interesting story on Brooklyn Park pastor Mac Hammond.

The week in editorial cartoons.

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