Polinaut: January 25, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 1-25-08

Posted at 8:40 AM on January 25, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty is headed to Florida this morning to campaign for Arizona Senator John McCain before Tuesday's primary in that state. AP and MPR have stories.

The governor's climate group makes recommendations including a cap and trade system and lowering the speed limit. DFL Sen. Ellen Anderson says it isn't enough. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Lawmakers will weigh the prospect of mining jobs versus the potential harm to the environment. MPR and MinnPost have stories.

Gov. Pawlenty says the state is overemphasizing social services. I may be missing some of the hub bub but hasn't he been saying this for quite some time?

DFLers tout the bonding bill prospects in Bemidji.

GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert says the House GOP could approve a gas tax increase.

The State Economist warns about the employment data in southeastern Minnesota.

The St. Cloud Civic Center is the site for next month's State of the State.

Oregon's governor wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Pawlenty is mentioned.

Congress

One of the Moussaoui tipsters gets $5 million. Two others get overlooked.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison visits Guantanamo Bay and will provide an update later today. The Star Tribune and AP have stories.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is on a fact finding trip to the U.S./Mexico border. He will report back on Saturday.

A Senate subcommittee criticizes a UN program to North Korea. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.

The head of the EPA says California's fuel rule isn't needed. He is then skewered by several lawmakers including DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The Detroit Free Press and the L.A. Times have stories.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz invites the director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University to President Bush's State of the Union.

GOP Rep. John Kline will not seek federal funds for the Hastings bridge.

City Pages picks up on a Harper's Magazine report that says Kline created a PAC that was funded by some who benefitted from Kline's legislation.

There is little opposition to the appointment of the new Ag Secretary. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Kessler reality checks the economic stimulus package.

2008 Senate

MPR says the senate candidates are learning the pitfalls of online campaigning.

Conservative bloggers (like MDE) go crazy over this CJ post on Al Franken.

2008 presidential

The presidential campaigns are starting to make their pre-caucus moves.

Obama releases a round of ads in Minnesota. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune and the AP have stories.

The Star Tribune says some of Minnesota's politicians aren't taking sides.

2008 Congress

Erik Paulsen will make his official announcement to replace GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad official on Sunday. Paulsen is the only GOP candidate running in the 3rd.

Republican Alan Roebke will challenge DFL Rep. Collin Peterson. Forum Communications and AP have stories.

ECM has comments from former Transportation Commissioner (and DFL candidate in Minnesota's 6th) on the I-35W bridge findings.

The other DFLer running in the 6th, Bob Olson, liveblogs at Minnesota Monitor.

Paulsen makes it official on Sunday

Posted at 6:25 PM on January 25, 2008 by Tom Scheck

GOP State Rep. Erik Paulsen will officially announce his candidacy for Congress. Here are the details from the campaign:

Eden Prairie -- Erik Paulsen is scheduled to formally announce his candidacy for United States Congress this weekend, surrounded by family and friends.

WHEN: Sunday, January 27, 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Scenic Heights Elementary School
5650 Scenic Heights Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55345

Paulsen’s campaign recently announced impressive fundraising receipts- nearly $390,000 and cash on hand of more than $360,000. This eclipsed the highest-raising Third District Democrat by about $90,000, according to published reports.

Paulsen will also be on TPT's Almanac tonight. Paulsen is the only Republican running to replace GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad (who's retiring). State Sen. Terri Bonoff, Iraq war vet Ashwin Madia and Edina Mayor Jim Hovland are seeking the DFL endorsement. David Dillon, the CEO of a printing company, is seeking the endorsement of the Independence Party.