Capitol View: May 21, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 5-21-07

Posted at 7:59 AM on May 21, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Digest loves the first two Godfather movies. Some of our favorite lines include "Leave the gun, take the canoli" and "Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday." But another line may be apropos for today's digest: "Goin' to the mattresses."

That may be what is happening in the Minnesota Legislature. There is less than 24 hours remaining in the legislaitve session and there is not an overall budget agreement.

DFLers in the control of the Legislature appear to be moving ahead with a few tax and spending bills without a handshake agreement with Governor Pawlenty. Pawlenty's spokesman says he may veto the bills. We'll see if they're headed to the mattresses.
MPR and AP has the latest.

One of my other favorite quotes is "Radio wins." That’s basically when the newspaper gets put to bed for the night and news breaks after that. That's what happened this morning. . Update: The stories have been updated. Here are the Monday stories from the Star Tribune and the Pi Press.

Forum Communications says the rank and file lawmakers are doing everything they can to pass the time.

One of them is even milking his Dairy Cows. No joke. I wonder if he says to his cows "We need to get MOOvin' up there." Or maybe he's UDDERly disappointed with how things are going.

Congress

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar talks border policy with Canadian officials.

Gannett says a farm bill fight is on the horizon. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

2008

It's Al Franken's birthday today. I tried to come up with a funny line on how Democrats are wishing him a happy birthday but the GOP thinks his birthday is another example of how he's out of touch with Minnesota. But it ain't happining because I'm out of gas from the legislative session. Insert your own joke if you wish.