Polinaut: March 10, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 3-10-08

Posted at 8:07 AM on March 10, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

We lead today with Governor Pawlenty's out of state travel. He was in Washington DC again this weekend to attend the annual Gridiron Dinner. The Swamp says there were jokes about him being on the McCain ticket:

Texas Gov. Rick Perry was introduced, and so was Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.

"Each would bring important balance to a McCain ticket," said Al Hunt... "They are Republicans."

While Pawlenty was in DC, GOP activists were busy endorsing challengers over Rep. Ron Erhardt and Rep. Neil Peterson. Rep. Jim Abeler of Anoka didn't have a challenger but was still not endorsed. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

The Star Tribune has a story on the Hwy. 60 language in the transportation bill and how it swayed Hamilton to vote for the bill and the veto override.

Committees in the House and Senate will start taking a deeper look at Gov. Pawlenty's budget proposal.

The Pi Press says California's clean car rules are a tough sell in Minnesota.

Forum Communications has more than you would ever want to know about the 3% debt limit and how it relates to the bonding bill. Lawmakers hope to get the bonding bill to the governor by the end of the week.

Funding for the Central Corridor is in the bonding bill. The Pi Press also has a story on St. Paul's University Avenue. That's where the choo choo will go.

Talk about vitamin water! AP has an investigation on the nation's water supply. Traces of pharmaceuticals are in the system.

Congress

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar questions rising drug prices.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is quoted in this story detailing a crackdown on tax havens.

Narcotics task force funding is slashed. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned in this MNDaily story on ending the embargo on Cuba.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared at a few endorsing conventions this weekend.

The Farm Bill is expected to include disaster relief funds. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

2008 Race for President

Beltrami County Republicans are urged to support John McCain. They supported Mike Huckabee.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

ABC News says the VP stakes are high for John McCain.

The BBC wonders who will be picked.

The Anchorage Daily News says Alaska's governor has a shot at being on the McCain ticket. Pawlenty is mentioned.

Pawlenty radio ad rips DFL

Posted at 9:27 AM on March 10, 2008 by Tom Scheck (5 Comments)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's campaign is running a radio ad ripping DFLers on the transportation bill and other tax increases. The ad fails to mention the eight Republicans who supported the transportation bill.

The ad is also being used a fundraising tool on Pawlenty's campaign website. The website also urges supporters to contact their legislators, write a letter to the editor and e-mail the ad to others.

Comment on this post

Minnesota Chief Justice Russell Anderson to retire

Posted at 1:04 PM on March 10, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Here's the release:

CHIEF JUSTICE RUSSELL ANDERSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM HIGH COURT

For Immediate Release

ST. PAUL, MINN. (March 10, 2008) - Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Russell A. Anderson today announced his retirement from the state's highest court, effective June 1, 2008.

"My wife's health concerns and my age prompt me to retire at this time," Anderson said in his letter of retirement to Governor Tim Pawlenty. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Minnesota over the the last 25 years, first as a district court judge from 1982 to 1998, and as a member of the Supreme Court from 1998 until the present time. And I am sincerely grateful for the honor of serving as Chief Justice during my final years on the Court."

Anderson's tenure in public service began when he was elected Beltrami County Attorney in 1978, a position he held until 1982 when he was appointed to the district court bench by Governor Al Quie. After serving 16 years on the trial court bench chambered in Crookston, Anderson was appointed an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court in 1998 by Governor Arne Carlson.

As an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, Anderson worked closely with then Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz on completing the restructuring of the trial and appellate courts into a single, state-funded third branch of Minnesota government governed by a newly created Minnesota Judicial Council.

In January of 2006 Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Anderson Chief Justice. As Chief Justice, Anderson continued the development of the Judicial Council, serving as its chair. "I am extremely proud of the work of the Judicial Council. From its inception it has worked to ensure that every Minnesotan has equal access to justice. It has strived to develop forward-thinking budgeting and strategic planning practices. With nearly 3,000 employees and 100 courthouses and hearing facilities, it is critical that resources provided to the courts be used in the most effective and efficient ways possible, and the Judicial Council has been working hard to fulfill that commitment."

Anderson said, "However, even in difficult economic times like these, it is imperative that Minnesota's judicial branch -- a core function of government -- remain adequately funded to serve its constitutional role of preserving the rule of law, protecting public safety, and ensuring the rights and liberties guaranteed by our state and federal constitutions."

Anderson said he leaves knowing that the Judicial Branch is in good hands. "Over my many years as a judge I have developed the greatest respect and admiration for the people who work in the Judicial Branch, often under trying circumstances and with too few resources. Minnesota judges and court staff, with the support of our sister branches of government and the public, have built a judicial system second to none for efficiency, effectiveness and dedication to the delivery of fair and impartial justice."

"It is with a full measure of admiration for this great institution, and with a commitment to remain a strong advocate for this critical third branch of our democracy, that I am retiring." Anderson said that although he will return to private life, he will continue to support efforts to maintain a fair and impartial judiciary.

- xxx -

Ciresi quits Senate race!

Posted at 4:32 PM on March 10, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Here's the release from the campaign:

STATEMENT OF MIKE CIRESI ON HIS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE U.S. SENATE RACE

I am announcing today my withdrawal from the contest for the DFL endorsement and the conclusion of my candidacy for the U.S. Senate. In my judgment, continuing the endorsement race would only lead to an unnecessary floor fight. It is time to step aside.

On entering the race, I expressed my passionate belief that our country had lost its direction and that the middle class was being crushed economically. We have a failed foreign policy that has led us into a war that, despite the extraordinary service of our armed forces and the sacrifices of their families, has served to further destabilize the Middle East and led to a less safe world. Middle class jobs are evaporating and quality educational opportunity is being denied to our children. College education is increasingly unaffordable, and graduates are saddled with enormous loans. We have a "sick care" system rather than a health care system that is affordable and accessible to all. The environment is not being nurtured and protected. We have a tax system that has created the greatest wealth gap since the early 1900s. Staggering debt is being passed on to future generations, and yet those who seek political office say little about the difficult economic choices we must make.

We are at defining moment in our nation's history, and we have the opportunity to reject the failed policies of the past and write a new chapter in the American story. I am confident we will do so because of the spirit, creativity, and optimism of our fellow citizens.

Ann and I have traveled our entire state for the past year, and the desire and sense of urgency for change is palpable. We believe that the people will demand that the tough choices be presented and that the vast majority of Americans will reject self-interest in favor of the common good and shared sacrifice. I firmly believe that America's best days are still ahead of us. As we return to private life, I will continue my efforts, as I have my entire life, to work with others in contributing to the common good of our state and nation.

Ann and I and our family wish to express our deep gratitude to all of our fellow Minnesotans who have so graciously welcomed us into their homes, businesses, and towns and engaged us in heartfelt discussions concerning the issues facing our nation. We are also deeply indebted to all of our supporters and staff who passionately believe in our message and have worked tirelessly on our behalf. The memories and friendships forged are timeless. We encourage all to remain committed to changing the direction of our nation and to support candidates of their choice.

God bless all of you --

Mike and Ann Ciresi