Polinaut: February 28, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 2-28-08

Posted at 8:06 AM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Today is the day for the revenue forecast and no one is glad.
Some special interests could see some cuts which will make them sad.

MPR, AP, Forum Communications, the Pi Press, KSTP and Fox9 have stories.

But buckle up folks and stop the sobs,
The bright side is there was a jump in January jobs.

The Senate may take up the Molnau vote.
The writing on the wall says 'That's all she wrote.'

MPR, the Star Tribune, AP and ECM have stories.

AP has a profile on DFL Sen. Steve Murphy of Red Wing.
One of his former foes called him - the guy who had a little zing.

The governor was mad this week - maybe the stress is taking its toll.
Don't worry gov, you still get top marks in the latest poll.

The Met council says ok to the train.
But WCCO says driving on University Ave. could be a pain.

KARE says lawmakers are thinking about taxing clothes.
An idea that has Pawlenty saying No No No.

Notice the rhyming and wondering why?
Don't be silly, Minnesota's Poet Laureate is Robert Bly.

That's it for rhyming, I can't let it fester.
Mostly because I can't find a word that rhymes with Kessler.

WCCO reality checks transportation taxes.

Minnesota faces a major health care worker shortage.

Forum Communications says groups seek pesticide and toy chemical changes.

A bill would also label lead tackle as toxic.

Fox9 says the GOP Chair is challenging the DFL Chair to a series of debates on the transportation bill.

Congress

Immigration officials return to Worthington.

Feds fail to meet ID theft standards. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.

The Christian Science Monitor says the GOP welcomes a debate on Iraq. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

State and Duluth officials call for federal assistance to clean up the Great Lakes.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz has joined the fight to keep the Delta Queen running. That puts him at odds with DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar.

Politico says GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad's replacement may differ with Ramstad on trade.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi helps jumpstart Farm Bill talks. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Corn growers still expect a deal on the Farm Bill.

The airline merger may be good for Detroit. Oberstar is mentioned.

2008 U.S. Senate race

Norm Coleman's campaign apologizes for identical editorials.

This story on the Forbes website says Democrat Al Franken proves a formidable foe.

DFLers in Hubbard County back Franken.

2008 Race for President

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says hints that Barack Obama is a Muslim won't have an effect.

David Broder gets Pawlenty's take on the race.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Robert Novak rips Pawlenty's global warming plan and writes in his column that it's not the way to run for Vice-President.

Novak also said this in his weekly e-mail:

It was a less favorable NGA meeting for the organization's chairman, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. His carbon-emissions proposal was shot down by bipartisan opposition from the coal-oil bloc of governors, and that did not help his vice presidential aspirations.

AP says the speculation over VP is intensifying.

2008 Race for Congress

The Rochester Post-Bulletin writes about lawsuits against Republican Randy Demmer, who's running for Congress in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District.

Newsweek asks whether White House allies are playing hardball with eavesdropping. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

MNBlue has a wrap-up of the DFL debate in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional district.

2008 RNC

Protesters can start requesting permits starting Monday.

The city will hold marchers to 1 route.

Apologies

Apologies to those who didn't get the digest e-mail yesterday. There were technical problems which I hope have been fixed. I could use this as an excuse to give a financial contribution to MPR. But I know that I don't need to since you appreciate this FREE service for political information and will support it.

Finally

Good-bye William F. Buckley Jr.

The Prince of Darkness goes after Pawlenty

Posted at 8:32 AM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Robert Novak, who called himself The Prince of Darkness in his latest book, rips Gov. Pawlenty's global warming plan. He also wrote in his column that it's not the way to run for Vice-President. I put this in the digest but think it's fair to have it in a separate post since there has been plenty of speculation on Pawlenty's VP chances.

Does Novak's column help or hurt Pawlenty?

$935 million red

Posted at 9:42 AM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Two sources who have been briefed on the forecast say the projected deficit has grown to $935 million. That's nearly three times as large as the November forecast which projected a $373 million deficit. State finance officials will release the number later this morning. The Associated Press reports that falling corporate and individual income taxes make up the biggest part of the shortfall. Lawmakers have to solve the deficit problem by June of next year. Both Governor Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders have said they will cut spending, not raise taxes, to balance the books.

$935 million red

Posted at 9:42 AM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Two sources who have been briefed on the forecast say the projected deficit has grown to $935 million. That's nearly three times as large as the November forecast which projected a $373 million deficit. State finance officials will release the number later this morning. The Associated Press reports that falling corporate and individual incomes taxes make up the biggest part of the shortfall. Lawmakers have to solve the deficit problem by June of next year. Both Governor Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders have said they will cut spending, not raise taxes, to balance the books.

Molnau vote today

Posted at 10:42 AM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller said Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau's confirmation vote will come up today.

Senate removes Molnau

Posted at 12:37 PM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Senate just voted to remove Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau as Transportation Commissioner. The vote was 44 to 22.

New poll has Coleman's job approval below 50%

Posted at 4:05 PM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Survey USA did the poll. GOP incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman's approval rating is at 49%. 43% disapprove. 7% are not sure.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar's approval is above 60%.

Remember that polls are snapshot in time.

State budget $935 million in the hole

Posted at 4:10 PM on February 28, 2008 by Tom Scheck

State finance officials released the number earlier today. Here's the complete document.