The Daily Digest: 10-16-2007

Posted at 9:53 AM on October 16, 2007 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MnDOT officials hold townhall meetings today to take input on the bridge design.

The meetings come one day after lawmakers only authorize a third of the funding that MnDOT wanted. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.

Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau continues to defend herself as Transportation Commissioner. She sits down with AP for ran interview. Here's the interesting little nugget on the Senate confirmation vote:

Molnau said she hadn't decided whether she would step down before it comes to such a vote.

Three investigations are looking into why the I-35W bridge collapsed.

Minnesota is in line for $133 million in federal funds but the state has to kick in matching funds.

The Grand Forks Herald writes about the dilemma facing Minnesota Transportation: Commerce vs. Safety.

State Government and other stuff

Governor Pawlenty is preparing for his trade mission to India. Apparently he needs to makes a quick stop at a Best Buy (in Shanghai!).

There's an agreement on the Twins stadium land deal. Pohlad is kicking in $15 million. Carl has to find that money somewhere. Say good-bye to Torii Hunter. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

There's also a $130 million agreement on the airport noise suit.

The state of Minnesota settles with Dru Sjodin's family. KARE-11 has a great scoop.

A DFL lawmaker says DEED is subverting funds for flood relief.

Minnesota faces a teacher shortage. KARE-11 and the Star Tribune have stories.

Several rural residents are protesting ethanol expansion.

The IRRRB considers a different financial plan with Minnesota Steel Industries.

Congress

Federal agencies' ok puts Northstar Commuter Rail on the fast track.

Mattel taps a lobbyist over the toy recall issue. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned because her former chief of staff has signed on as a lobbyist.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will speak at The Club For Growth (h/t Dump Bachmann).

Idaho Senator Larry Craig appeals his conviction. Again.

He also does an interview with NBC.

2008

AP says Democrat Al Franken and GOP Sen. Norm Coleman are spending plenty of money to make money.

Time takes a look at the Republicans big Senate fear (a filibuster proof majority). Coleman is mentioned.

DFLer Mike Ciresi campaigns in Crookston.

Politico says the flyover states lose another Republican. GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad is mentioned. Hey Politico, the Digest has feelings.

The L.A. Times has a similar story but says NRCC head Tom Cole is asking Ramstad to reconsider. So much for the NRCC argument of "It's not us who's recruiting him but a local grass roots effort from Republicans within the district."

CNN says all of the retirements means the GOP will not win back the U.S. House.

MPR has a story on the candidates running in Minnesota's 3rd District.

MN Campaign Report has an interview with Democrat Steve Sarvi, who is challenging GOP Rep. John Kline.

Dialing for Dollars

The Hill writes about the money race for the U.S. Senate.

MDE focuses on which Democratic bigwigs gave to Franken.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and DFL Rep. Tim Walz are leading the money race.

The Pi Press rounds it out.

The St. Cloud Times details some of Bachmann's money.

Hmmmm. I wonder why all of these candidates are raising all of this money. Oh, apparently TV spending could double in 2008.

2008 RNC

The Host committee says it met its financial goal of $14 million.

Finally

A Florida based reporter goes to New Hampshire with the hopes of scoring an interview and runs into roadblocks. Here's the downside to the "penalty box" scoring system for Democrats.

Finally Finally

Computers top peace and happiness as this year's number one holiday wish list. Seriously.

Finally Finally Finally

Mr. Mike Mulcahy will be taking over the digest for the next week and a half. I'm going on a nice long tropical vacation.

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Comments (1)

have a nice vacation!

Posted by Johnny | October 16, 2007 11:26 AM

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