The Daily Digest: 2-26-08

Posted at 9:24 AM on February 26, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

There were a few firsts yesterday. For the first time in twenty years, the gas tax will increase. It's also the first time that the Legislature voted to override a veto by Gov. Pawlenty. MPR, the Pi Press, Forum Communications, the Star Tribune, the St. Cloud Times, the Mankato Free Press, KARE and AP have stories.

The Pi Press has a story on the impact of the bill on the average consumer.

GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert will hold a news conference this afternoon to "an update on the leadership status of the six Republicans who voted to override Governor Tim Pawlenty's veto yesterday." GOP Rep. Rod Hamilton voluntarily gave up his leadership position on the Ag Committee. GOP Rep. Bud Heidgerken said he was told he didn't have the option and would have to give up his seat on the K12 committee. MPR has a story on the possible political fallout from the override.

KARE has a story on the political fallout for the GOP members who voted to override. Will they lose endorsement contests? The election?

The prospects of a Duluth to Twin Cities train are picking up steam at the Capitol.

The Star Tribune says lawmakers may offer added protections for home buyers vs. construction firms.

Lawmakers seek greater scrutiny of school buses. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

Some lawmakers are seeking a ban in certain chemicals in child products.

The Northwest Airlines Call Center is considered safe.

The Star Tribune writes about cost concerns and the Central Corridor.

KARE wonders whether light rail is a boon to consumers.

NGA Winter Meetings

The Pi Press says governors agree to pursue clean energy but are undecided on a second economic stimulus plan.

AP says President Bush is cool to the idea of using federal funds for bridges.

Congress

Anti-war Democrats are pondering their next step. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned in the story.

The Hill says Dems will juggle the war and the economy. Coleman is mentioned.

The GAO finds data protection is lacking. Coleman is mentioned.

GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad is named to the board of directors at The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

Forum Communications says farmers await a new Farm Bill.

The FDA warns Duluth about prescription drug importation from Canada.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

MoveOn will target Coleman in ads. Does this help or hurt Coleman among the general electorate?

Democrat Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer says he's running an "ideas campaign."

Democrat Mike Ciresi tells ECM that he's the best candidate.

AL Franken attends a union rally for security guards and reports say the head of the SEIU says his union is backing him.

2008 Race for President

John McCain and Hillary Clinton criticize Barack Obama's comments on Cuba.

Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd backs Obama.

Democratic governors see John McCain as formidable.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

The Hill writes that Florida's governor talked with Pawlenty and South Carolina's governor a lot but not about VP prospects.

Townhall.com says Pawlenty has a mullet.

2008 Race for Congress

The Rochester Post Bulletin says the GOP hopes to win Minnesota's 1st District seat.

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