Capitol View: March 1, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 3-1-07

Posted at 8:51 AM on March 1, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Happy March! The Budget forecast hasn't changed but it sure seems like the mood inside the Capitol did. Part of the problem may be the pessimistic economy (stock market dips, housing market slows, economy isn't growing as fast as previously thought). The GOP points to these signs and say "Slow down! No new spending!" DFL legislative leaders say nothing has changed. MPR, the Star Tribune, AP, the Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.

One of the issues that is bubbling up is special education. MPR has the story.

The deaths at the Minneapolis Veterans Home also lead the headlines. MPR, KARE-11, AP, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

The Pi Press says a June primary proposal moved through a Senate committee.

MPR's Midday program discusses an earlier primary.

The Star Tribune says Anoka County may still be playing footsie with the Vikings.

There was also a hearing on the DREAM Act. MPR has the story.

The Star Tribune picks up on the Duluth News Tribune story which picked up on the Tower Timberjay story on DFL Tom Rukavina trying to overrule a St. Louis County Board of Adjustment decision on his friend's home.

The Duluth News Tribune says a Senate committee backs a plan that would help Duluth's retirement obligation.

Attorney General Lori Swanson will speak at the Lavendar Bar Association on March 8th (h/t Lloydletta).

Congress

Redwood Falls Gazette says DFL Rep. Tim Walz and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar talk about the farm bill.

The Isanti County News says Klobuchar is fulfilling her promise to visit every county by stopping in Isanti County. Nothing peps up a newspaper like the headline "Senator visits county!"

GOP Rep. John Kline was on C-SPAN this morning talking about the Employee Free Choice Act.

GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad wants to repeal the telephone excise tax.

The Hill says House Democrats put $4 billion for farmers to a bill funding Iraq and Afghanistan. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson said the proposal wouldn't have passed without the provision.

2008

Larry Sabato's Crytal Ball says it's likely that the GOP is targeting DFL Rep. Tim Walz.

Arizona Senator John McCain is in.

Gov. Pawlenty may have some explaining to do when he gets to the CPAC event this weekend. McCain rejected a CPAC invitation but tried to organize a private reception. The Washington Times has the story. ABC News also has some analysis.

Dick Morris says McCain's campaign is collapsing but he just got the endorsement from Tom Ridge.

That settles that.

Finally, don't fret about the snow. Spring is nearly upon us because they're taking the diamond down south.