Polinaut: August 8, 2007 Archive

The Daily Digest: 8-8-07

Posted at 7:34 AM on August 8, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

A ten lane bridge with a 100 life span is on deck to replace the collapsed I-35W bridge. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and KARE-11 have stories.

There seems to be a little spat over what will be considered in a possible special session.

The Star Tribune takes a look at Gov. Pawlenty's switch on the gas tax.

AP profiles Transportation Commissioner (and Lt. Gov.) Carol Molnau.

Help is coming for drought stricken counties. AP and Forum Communications have stories.

Congress

A federal gas tax increase is discussed. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Oberstar will also hold hearings on the bridge collapse.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman writes an op-ed on the bridge collapse.

Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar want to speed up Northstar Commuter Rail in light of bridge collapse.

The Ag Secretary and DFL Rep. Collin Peterson debate the Farm bill at Farmfest. MPR, Forum Communications, the Mankato Free Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

The appetite for finishing some trade talks is not there. Coleman is mentioned.

Klobuchar wants help for caregivers.

Mental Health Parity is held up in the Senate. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

Kline is also mentioned in a story saying the Defense Secretary backs Minnesota's troop reintegration program.

Special election in 28B

Republican Steve Drazkowski will replace former Rep. Steve Sviggum in House District 28B. The Winona Daily News and the Rochester Post Bulletin have stories.

2008

The Hill says Joe Repya may challenge GOP Sen. Norm Coleman to win the Republican endorsement. The paper says he's pushing back his decision until October.