Capitol View: May 27, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 5-27-08

Posted at 8:33 AM on May 27, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar are just a few of the politicians who toured the tornado damage in Hugo. Pawlenty said a special session is possible. MPR, the Star Tribune, AP, the Pi Press and WCCO have stories.

Pawlenty also said Hugo is unlikely to get federal aid.

Thousands gather to honor fallen soldiers.

The Legislature is aiming to cut energy use.

Corn growers fight back and say biofuels aren't the reason for high food prices.

Hunters and anglers will see new changes next year.

Advocates for the arts and the environment launch a referendum campaign.

GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert recaps the session with the Bemidji Pioneer.

The session brings little action on immigration.

Gov. Pawlenty signs the texting while driving ban.

The Mankato Free Press says hope for a Civic Center expansion is still alive.

Pawlenty heads to Washington DC tomorrow to discuss foreclosure issues as a part of the National Governors Association.

Congress

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar split their votes on Iraq war spending bill.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is pushing for the passage of a new GI Bill.

The Des Moines Register says the action to override the Farm Bill digs a larger chasm among conservatives. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

Trouble in the airline sector spur talk of regulation. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

The Star Tribune has a story on politician PACs.

2008 Race for President

Republican Ron Paul will speak to supporters at the GOP State Party convention on May 30th.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

AP says Democrat Al Franken is taking a pay cut to run for the U.S. Senate.

The New York Times writes about how bloggers are impacting the race.

2008 Race for Congress

USA Today says Iraq War vets are running for Congress in greater numbers. 3rd District Democrat Ashwin Madia is mentioned. He's running against Republican Erik Paulsen.

Madia also promised to stand up for veterans during a fundraiser in L.A. earlier this month.

The Fix ranks Minnesota's 3rd as the 12th most competitive.

Mitt Romney's fund will back GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Bachmann is also targeted on the GI Bill.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Survey USA polls all important Ohio with head to heads that include Pawlenty as a running mate.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said the McCain BBQ was R and R and not VP talk.

Grover Norquist endorses Jindal. Newt Gingrich also likes Jindal. as is Newt Gingrich.

David Brooks says Pawlenty is a top choice.

Fox News says McCain is mum on VP speculation.

2008 RNC

The Host Committee is worried about a cash flow shortage and is upset that the state didn't establish a line of credit.

The head of the RNC touts Pawlenty, Coleman and the convention.