Capitol View: May 8, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 5-8-08

Posted at 11:17 AM on May 8, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty signed a bill into law that would provide compensation to the victims and the family member of those who died in the bridge collapse.

After the signing, the governor took some questions. He said he would veto a bill that increases the minimum wage. MPR, the Pi Press and AP have stories.

The governor said he also has some concerns about the transportation policy bill but didn't offer specifics. Lawmakers took a booster seat requirement out of the transportation bill to ease some of his concerns. MPR, the Star Tribune, Forum Communications and AP have stories.

The Pi Press says statistics show that teen driver restrictions work.

The House votes to allow state money for embryonic stem cell research. The governor said he would veto the bill but does support stem cell research. He said new scientific developments could make the process moot. MPR, the Pi Press and AP have stories.

The Senate passes a bill forbidding high school drop-outs until 18. Pawlenty gave the bill an f.

Budget talks are continuing. Property tax cap, which programs get cut, the use of a health care fund and the use of a reserves are still being discussed. The Political Animal and Polinaut have updates.

Legislators will question the DNR over spending.

The House supports a psychiatric hospital in Woodbury.

The foreclosure bill faces a veto.

Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem wants DFL Sen. Steve Murhpy to apologize for threatening comments to Pawlenty's staffer.

WCCO Reality Checks who is to blame for high gas prices.

Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin is elected to chair the new Metro Transit board.

The Iron Range Energy project gets tax credits.

The state wants fisherman to get the lead out.

Gov. Pawlenty leaves tonight for the fishing opener festivities. Here are the details.

Congress

Delta/NWA execs assure Congress that jobs wills stay in Minnesota. MPR, the Star Tribune and the Detroit News have stories.

Lawmakers reach agreement on the Farm Bill as it heads for floor votes. They also vow to defeat a veto. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman introduces a resolution that would urge countries involved in the Holocaust to enact restitution legislation

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar rips the EPA for axing official who urged cleanup by Dow.

House Republicans are trying to determine how to discipline a colleague who was arrested for drunken driving. GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum corrects the belief that the RNC will be held in Minneapolis.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will speak at a Blaine townhall on Friday.

A House panel hears arguments on a surcharge bill for freight. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2008 Race for President

Hillary Clinton campaigns in South Dakota today.

Klobuchar says superdelegates need to take a stand.

Obama's campaign said the race will be over on May 20th.

The Arizona Republic looks at John McCain's voting record and declares that he's not a maverick on tough votes.

2008 Race for Senate

The Star Tribune says the MNGOP faces bookkeeping problems of their own.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman holds a conference call with conservative bloggers.

2008 Race for Congress

DC appears to be moving in on the Ashwin Madia campaign. A DC based press person will take over communications work for the 3rd District DFL candidate. The Chair of the DCCC will also campaign for Ashwin Madia next week.

3rd District IP candidate David Dillon lays out his energy policy.

The House GOP creates a "rapid response panel." GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned. UPI and Politico have stories.

President Bush says 2008 will not be a rerun of 2006. Kline is mentioned.

Pawlenty for VP

John McCain tells the Daily Show that Dwight Schrute from "The Office" is being considered.

Human Events profiles Michael Steele.

2008 RNC

The Minneapolis City Council hears protest plans.