Polinaut: February 18, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 2-18-08

Posted at 7:34 AM on February 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Transportation will be a hot topic this week. The Pi Press says House and Senate DFL leaders are saying take it or leave it on the transportation funding bill. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the bill by the end of the week. The Legislative Auditor will also release a report on Tuesday on the condition of the state's roads and bridges.

Forum Communications profiles House Transportation Chair Bernie Lieder.

The backers of a bill that would limit car emissions say it will create jobs. They held a news conference to discuss it. Forum Communications and KARE have stories.

The St. Cloud Times has a Capitol roundup.

The Pi Press says House DFL leadership is promising quick action this session with an eye on November.

Marchers protest Gov. Pawlenty's immigration plan.

The push is on to ban so-called "dangerous dogs."

DFL Rep. Tom Huntley, who authored the smoking ban legislation, says he isn't too happy about the "smoking plays" issue.

One lawmaker is focusing on floating horse teeth.

Some homeowners are still waiting for help from the floods.

The MPCA draws up ballast water recommendations.

Lawmakers in Ohio and Wisconsin could derail the Great Lakes water compact.

Northwest merger talks

Some reports say the deal could come as soon as Wednesday.

Meanwhile reports say Delta/NWA reached an agreement with the Pilots Union.

Meanwhile, Northwest officials say they're talking with Gov. Pawlenty.

Senate President Jim Metzen and others are worried about the possible NWA deal and may hold a hearing this week. Forum Communications, MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

Kessler reality checks the amount of Minnesota money being spent on NWA.

Congress

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman says Gen. Petraeus proved him wrong on Iraq.

The floods in southeastern Minnesota have still left a mark. Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar are mentioned.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned in this story on the FISA extension vote.

Farm Bill talks are at a standstill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

2008 Presidential

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee makes an early morning stop in Hudson, WI.

The candidates campaign in Wisconsin with the hopes of winning Tuesday's primary. MSNBC and the Star Tribune have stories.

The Star Tribune outlines where Minnesota's superdelegates stand.

Politico outlines some possible GOP attacks on Obama.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Politico takes a look at Pawlenty's VP chances.

The London Telegraph quotes a few John McCain aides (not by name, of course) saying Pawlenty is near the top of the list.

David Yepsen also speculates on Pawlenty as does the Arizona Register and Forbes.

A contributor for the conservative Look True North says McCain should look somewhere else.

The Kansas City Star has a long list of candidates.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue is also mentioned as a possible running mate for McCain.

2008 U.S. Senate race

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer stopped in Duluth and will make a stop in Bemidji.

The Bemidji Pioneer also writes about Al Franken.

Olson apologizes to the House

Posted at 2:08 PM on February 18, 2008 by Tom Scheck

State Rep. Mark Olson, a Republican from Big Lake, apologized to the Minnesota House this afternoon for being convicted of a domestic assault charge last summer. Standing before the full body, Olson said he accepted full responsibility for his "personal failure" and told them that he has completed the court requirements. He said "Will you forgive me for bringing dishonor and disrepute to you as my colleagues and to this institution?"

Olson received a smattering of applause from the House. DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher released this statement on Olson's apology:

Representative Olson's completion of a counseling program ordered by the court is a sign that he understands the serious nature of this case. It is my hope that he can now begin to repair the damage done to his relationship with his family and friends.

Representative Olson says he has paid all of the court costs related to this case. House members will continue to monitor his progress to ensure that he fulfills the other requirements of his sentence.

The House GOP suspended Olson from their caucus after the incident occurred in November, 2006. They kicked him out of the caucus after the conviction. That means he is on his own this session and in the upcoming election.