Capitol View: March 28, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 3-28-07

Posted at 8:26 AM on March 28, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

We'll be getting a better sense of the Senate DFL strategy today when the omnibus tax bill is released. The Senate passed a statewide smoking ban bill yesterday. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, Forum Communications and the AP have stories.

House DFLers also released their higher ed bill. MPR, the strib, ECM and Forum Communications have stories.

MPR says growing cities want more money from the state.

The House also passed its bonding bill. AP has the story.

The Pi Press says the Senate caps health care premiums.

The Minneapolis Veterans Home says it's now in compliance with the rules.

The Pi Press says the governor may want to increase the biodiesel mandate once the hiccups are fixed.

Congress

The Senate votes for a troop withdrawal timetable regarding Iraq. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman votes against it. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar votes for it.

Peace protesters target DFL Rep. Keith Ellison.

Coleman and Klobuchar are scheduled to attend a defense roundtable.

Klobuchar also attends a hearing on a baseball tv deal and wonders if it's in the best interest of the fans.

GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad is lobbying on behalf of an I-94 interchange.

City Pages says DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison push a right to know bill on pollutants.

GOP Rep. John Kline test drives an Osprey, Walz gets a China assignment and Klobuchar calls for an insurance investigation. Here's the round up.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar blogs about the promise of a high tech radio system.

2008

The Star Tribune wonders if Al Franken's past comments will harm his candidacy.

Franken is scheduled to appear on Late Night with David Letterman tonight.

The Marshall Independent says Franken and Mike Ciresi will be at a DFL event at Jackpot Junction on Saturday.

Boy 'oh boy. I missed this February Politico story that says GOP Sen. Norm Coleman may be leaning toward backing Rudy Giuliani for President.