The Daily Digest: 5-15-08

Sorry the Digest is late but I needed the sleep. If you don' like it, take it up with Joe Kimball (thanks for the kind words).

I'm told that legislative leaders are back negotiating with Gov. Pawlenty right now. They ended last night at midnight. The Star Tribune, MPR, the Pi Press, Forum Communications and the AP have updates.

More detail than the average person would want is here and here.

Forum Communications says much of the Legislature's work is already done.

MinnPost profiles DFL Sen. Tarryl Clark.

MPCA chooses the most aggressive cleanup plan for 3M.

Vandals damage three of the official gubernatorial portraits. MPR, the Pi Press, Forum Communications, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.

MinnPost says Minneapolis is thinking about targeting "idling" drivers.

Speaking about driving in Minneapolis, Mayor R.T. Rybak is allowed to drive again.

Congress
The House passed the Farm Bill with a veto proof majority. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned. The Senate votes next.

GOP Rep. John Kline and DFL Rep. Tim Walz voted for the bill. GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann voted against the bill

Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey writes an op-ed ripping GOP Sen. Norm Coleman for backing a bill that increases health care mandates.

Democrats in Congress want a chemical in plastic investigated. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline may offer a bill that would remove the restriction on grants that require union affiliation for "green collar" jobs.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison urges Congress to take action in Darfur.

An anti-trust review is the next step for Delta's acquisition of Northwest Airlines. The two airlines said they would consolidate some airport operations. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar still maintains his concerns about the deal. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press and MPR have stories.

A merger opponent warns of higher fares.

Minnesota Monitor says former UN Ambassador John Bolton will speak in the Twin Cities tonight.

2008

The Star Tribune says local political parties are refusing recording devices at events for fear that their candidate will make a fool of themselves.

2008 Race for Senate

The GOP is a bit nervous after three straight losses. Minnesota's Senate race is mentioned.

Democrat Al Franken speaks in Marshall.

2008 Race for President

John Edwards backs Barack Obama.

Obama apologizes for calling a reporter "sweetie." He also starts wearing a flag lapel pin.

John McCain is looking four years down the road and says troops will be home from Iraq in 2013.

Time also writes about John McCain's health.

2008 RNC

The protest route is planned. Protesters don't like it. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Other

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura will appear at a book signing tonight at the Mall of America. He will also appear on Midday at noon.