Polinaut: June 1, 2007 Archive

Hillary in town today

Posted at 8:55 AM on June 1, 2007 by Tom Scheck

New York Senator (and presidential candidate) Hillary Clinton will be in Minneapolis today for a health care event and to raise some dough. Here is an AP story on the event.

The Daily Digest: 6-1-07

Posted at 9:48 AM on June 1, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Governor Pawlenty continues to defend his veto of the tax bill. That veto means the expansion of Thomson West is now in doubt. The Pi Press has that story.

City and county leaders are also criticizing Pawlenty's veto because it included an increase in local government aid. The Pi Press, the Mankato Free Press, AP, Bemidji Pioneer and KARE 11 have stories.

The Star Tribune says plans for the 2008 Republican National Convention are moving forward despite the veto.

The governor and DFL lawmakers are arguing who's at fault for the veto. Pawlenty says "Don't blame me because I told them I would veto the bill." DFL legislative leaders say the governor isn't operating in the best interests of the state. WCCO has a story on the back and forth.

The argument is also coming to a legislative district near you.

There has been some speculation that a special session could be called. But Republican House Minority Leader Marty Seifert is arguing no way. He says he's advising the governor to not call one because a ton of other initiatives could be on the table.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson warns the public of certain scam artists. The Pi Press and KARE 11 have stories.

Congress

The Washington Post's Capitol Briefing says Republicans are running from partisan voting. GOP Senator Norm Coleman is mentioned.

An independent panel will review House ethics charges. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline is considered a "top gun."

The Pulse of the Twin Cities talks about DFL Rep. Keith Ellison's "second chance act."

Ellison is also scheduled to speak at a Juneteenth event.

The National Journal says a plan to reduce the AMT has been scaled back. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says the AMT is an urban problem not a rural problem.

U.S. Attorney scandal

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants answers about former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger. AP and the Star Tribune have stories.

2008
Hillary Clinton is in town today. The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Atkins diet for 2008 eliminates Senate bid

Posted at 12:13 PM on June 1, 2007 by Tim Pugmire

Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, today sent out a legislative update to his constituents. He included a clarification about his future political plans, which apparently do not include running for the U.S. Senate in 2008. Here's how Atkins explained it:

A SENATE RUN? When I was approached about a possible run for the U.S. Senate at the start of the legislative session, I said I'd look at it when the legislature adjourned in May.

Since that word got out, I have been astounded at the flood of kind letters, calls and emails I have received -- now numbering over 1000 -- encouraging me to join the race. Mainstream Minnesotans are clearly looking for a candidate who can carry some common sense to our nation's capital.

However, while I deeply appreciate the support and encouragement, my heart lies here in Minnesota. Many of the issues that matter most to me and to most Minnesota families -- quality schools, access to health care, lower property taxes, better transportation, protecting consumers and our great outdoors -- are crying out for real vision and genuine leadership here in Minnesota. Leadership isn't about standing up for the privileged and the powerful and simply saying what you oppose. It's about standing up for the little guy, bringing folks together, and moving Minnesota forward. I look forward to continuing to do just that.

Pawlenty on MPR's Midday on Monday, headed to Indiana on Tuesday.

Posted at 3:59 PM on June 1, 2007 by Tom Scheck

Governor Pawlenty is scheduled to be on MPR's Midday on Monday at 11 AM. Pawlenty is also scheduled to attend the Republican Governors Association Midwestern Governors Forum on Tuesday. He'll even be on pit row for two receptions. Start your engines!