Polinaut: April 12, 2007 Archive

On the docket

Posted at 7:50 AM on April 12, 2007 by Mike Mulcahy

There's lots of stuff happening at the Capitol today, not the least of which is a press conference by Gov. Tim Pawlenty to talk about the session. Will he say anything new about taxes?

The Senate is expected to give final approval to a bill to crack down on predatory lending. The House has already passed the bill and Gov. Pawlenty supports it. It would require lenders to do more to make sure people can afford the payments before getting a home loan.

And a day after the U.S. Senate voted to allow more federal funding of stem cell research, the state Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to discuss a bill that would allow the University of Minnesota to use state money for stem cell research.

The Daily Digest: 4-12-07

Posted at 9:47 AM on April 12, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Governor Pawlenty holds a media availability today to talk about whatever the press corps wants. Hmmmm. Time to put your thinking caps on. Maybe something like "How much is a gallon of milk?" Oh wait. That's been asked already (to Rudy G).

Someone is sure to ask about his plans to veto the gas tax. Especially since there was a transportation rally on the front steps of the Capitol this morning.

Maybe some enterprising reporter will ask about Minnesota's economy.
MPR says Minnesota is dropping in some economic rankings.

Or maybe, someone will ask where he stands on the Mall of America and Thomson West. The House Tax Committee hears bills giving subsidies to the Mall of America and Thomson West. The Star Tribune and AP have that story.

Pawlenty says he supports the MOA and Thomson West Subsidies. Maybe someone will ask what he thinks of Art Rolnick's comments. The Pi Press says Rolnick spoke about against business subsidies at the hearing.

Maybe someone will ask him what he thinks about the predatory lending bill that is about to land on his desk. The Senate gives preliminary approval to a bill that tightens mortgage requirements. The Star Tribune and Forum Communications have stories.

Someone else could ask him about a Senate bill that would end state holdings with companies that do business in Sudan.

Someone else could ask what he thinks of the death of a bill that loosens the transfer rules created by the high school league. The strib and pi press have stories.

I'm sure there will also be questions about Arizona Senator John McCain's bid for president and the inevitable VP question.

In other news, the Redwood Falls Gazette sits down with GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert.

Browns Valley wants money for flood recovery.

WCCO reality checks taxes.

Congress
The Senate passes a stem cell bill. It includes a provision supported by GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and the White House. Coleman then votes against the entire bill. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar voted for it. CORRECTION. Two bills passed. Coleman and Klobuchar split on the controversial measure. The Senate also passed Coleman's bill.
Sorry about the mistake.

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank says politicians are trying to tug on the heart strings regarding family illnesses. Coleman is mentioned.

Coleman also wants a U.S. envoy to press Libya in an upcoming trip.

Klobuchar went to the White House on Wednesday to discuss her most recent trip to Iraq.

Klobuchar is in the running for the golden gavel (or "class geek" - their words not mine).

DFL Rep. Tim Walz speaks at the U of M today.

2008

Hollywood Today says Franken thinks politics is nothing laughing matter. Hollywood Today? It's the only "old media" write-up on Franken's appearance on Larry King Live.

Moderate Left and Blogs for Norm (Michael Brodkorb) live blog it.

Other

There are fines over the Hatch lawn sign flap.

There will be no digest tomorrow. It's not because I have a fear of Friday the 13th or because I'm celebrating the 100th anniversary of Harold Stassen's birth. I have to head to the Jersey shore for a wedding.

Don't know who Harold Stassen is? Ask Pi Press reporter Rachel Stassen-Berger. I'll bet you'll make her day.

Have a nice weekend.

The ballpark design

Posted at 12:09 PM on April 12, 2007 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)

The Minnesota Twins released their design plans for the new ballpark. Check it out here. I bet you dollars to doughnuts that the Minnesota Twins ballpark is not the "official name" on Opening Day. Any bets on which corporate sponsor will win the bidding rights?

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McCollum calls for a focus on Afghanistan

Posted at 12:59 PM on April 12, 2007 by Tom Scheck

MPR's Midday Program just aired DFL Rep. Betty McCollum's speech to the U of M's Humphrey Institute. You can listen to it here.

Pawlenty: "I don't want to be Vice President."

Posted at 3:11 PM on April 12, 2007 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

Governor Pawlenty said this in his press availability today:

"For the 900th time, I am not running for Vice President. I don't want to be Vice President and I'm focused on being governor of the state of Minnesota and have said I will fill out my term."

I'm putting this up so it's in black and white.

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