The Daily Digest: 8-13-07

Posted at 8:53 AM on August 13, 2007 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Pi Press says the Minnesota Department of Transportation will release a design of the new I-35W bridge this week. State lawmakers are also holding a hearing on the bridge design on Wednesday.

The Star Tribune has a story on the difficulty getting transportation funding to become a top tier issue. Here's the money quote for all of you political watchers who wonder why a special session will be called:

"The trick was to get this issue to become a top-tier political matter," said Curt Johnson, a former Metropolitan Council chairman and chief of staff for Carlson. "At 6:05 on August 1, one bridge collapsing may have done what no amount of advertising or lobbying could have ever done."

Rebuilding the bridge will be hard and fast.

The collapse could also move up the opening of Northstar Commuter Rail.

The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have profiles of Carol Molnau.

Forum Communications says two DFL lawmakers disagree whether the Tax Bill should be considered in a possible special session. In another article, the paper says a special session is not smooth sailing.

The Pi Press has a profile of Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek.

Congress

Forum Communications says DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is among fans at Farmfest.

The Chicago Tribune writes on the Farm Bill debate.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is targeting diploma mills.

2008

Politico says abortion issues may become an issue in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race.

The Austin Statesman says several GOP candidates, including GOP Sen. Norm Coleman, are happy to have President Bush raise money for them.

The Star Tribune says DFL Rep. Tim Walz is already running for reelection. Here's my question - did he ever stop?

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