Polinaut: February 14, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 2-14-08

Posted at 11:21 AM on February 14, 2008 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The House just passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the state sales tax for Outdoors and Arts programs. The Senate is expected to follow suit. Here's a morning set up.

MPR asks whether the state can jump start the economy.

The State Economist says the federal checks will help.

MPR says state colleges and universities want a big part of the bonding bill.

Lawmakers debate whether they should move to a presidential primary.

Governor Pawlenty delivered his State of the State speech in St. Cloud yesterday.
MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, AP and Forum Communications have stories on the speech.

A new report says state websites detailing prescription drug prices, Minnesota included, are wrong.

Kessler reality checks the real costs of the driving.

Which leads us to...

Poll

Here's the Survey USA poll I mentioned in yesterday's Digest. Folks are opposed to the gas tax, a metro wide sales tax and an increase to license tab fees.

There are also data on balancing the budget (cutting spending is on the top of the list), Vikings stadium (three out of four oppose using public money for a new stadium), Carol Molnau as transportation commissioner (half say remove her), Legislative job approvals (half are disappointed) and then it gets interesting...

The poll splits on whether Gov. Pawlenty would be a good running mate for John McCain. 43% say yes. 43% say no. 61% also say he would not be able to run for VP and manage the state. Full poll results can be found here.

Congress

The Senate voted on a bill authorizing intelligence activities for the current year, including a ban on the CIA's use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman voted no, DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar voted yes. Here are the totals.

The House, via DFL Rep. Collin Peterson, proposes a new Farm Bill which some say comes at a crucial time.

CQ says DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar has formed a PAC.

GOP Rep. John Kline and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann are mentioned in this story on earmarks. Kline has declined to take earmarks even if the money benefits his home district.

The Hill says the House showered pork on freshman Democrats like DFL Rep. Keith Ellison.

Ellison talks change to Georgetown law students.

A delegation is calling on Ellison's removal from the recently created Congressional Task Force on Anti-Semitism

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar clashes with Transportation Secretary Mary Peters over the gas tax.

2008 Presidential Race

John McCain is expected to speak before a group of Republican Governors later this month. Pawlenty is mentioned.

2008 U.S. Senate Race

KSTP has a story on a new Survey USA poll has GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL candidate Al Franken running neck and neck. Coleman is polling better than the other DFL candidates in the field: Mike Ciresi, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and Darryl Stanton. Here's the poll.

Coleman also tells the AP that he sees John McCain's candidacy as a help to his reelection.

2008 Congressional Races

The Big Question details some fundraising numbers for the 6th and the 1st Districts.

6th District DFL candidate El Tinklenberg writes an op-ed promoting jobs.

GOP Convention

St. Paul City officials start talking about planning specifics. The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Finally

Missiouri Senator Claire McCaskill will give the keynote address at the Humphrey Day Dinner.

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Romney to back McCain

Posted at 12:31 PM on February 14, 2008 by Tom Scheck

BC-APNewsAlert
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - Mitt Romney is endorsing John McCain on Thursday, The Associated Press has learned.

Will you be my valentine?

Posted at 12:37 PM on February 14, 2008 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

The U.S. Senate race is all about the love. First, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee says GOP Sen. Norm Coleman hearts John McCain:

“For years Norm Coleman has been a foot soldier for President Bush, now he’s beginning to take his marching orders from John McCain too,” DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. “Norm Coleman can’t be counted on to stand up for the people of Minnesota, but he can always be counted on to be the Republican Party’s biggest cheerleader. He may not be giving him chocolates or flowers, but this Valentine’s Day it’s clear that Norm Coleman is John McCain’s biggest admirer.”

But the Coleman campaign is using Valentine's Day to point out Democrat Al Franken's love. On a website, Coleman's campaign uses those little heart candies to rip Franken on everything from the gas tax to the war in Iraq.

Can you feel the love?

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Divine Intervention?

Posted at 6:17 PM on February 14, 2008 by Tom Scheck

DFL Rep. Tom Rukavina is pushing a bill that would increase the state's minimum wage and is getting a little help from Archbishop Harry Flynn. Flynn told the House Commerce Committee that increasing the minimum wage was about protecting the dignity of lower wage workers.

After Flynn's testimony, the critics of the bill (MN Chamber, MN Grocers, etc.) approached the desk to tell the committee how the wage hike could be harmful to business. When they were introduced, Rukavina (who is known for his quips around the Capitol) said to the committee chair "The Archbiship will pray for them, I'm sure."

Committee Chair Joe Atkins responded "Rep. Rukavina, I just hope he's praying for you..."

The committee approved the bill on a divided voice vote. It's now headed to the House floor.