Capitol View: June 30, 2008 Archive

Politico: Romney the front-runner for McCain

Posted at 11:24 AM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck (5 Comments)

Politico's Mike Allen says Mitt Romney it topping McCain's VP list. Allen says the downside is that the two lack "personal chemistry."Mostly because Romney can shake $50 million from the money trees. Allen says Former Ohio Congressman and White House Budget Director Rob Portman and South Dakota Senator John Thune are also in the top tier.

Allen says Gov. Tim Pawlenty is considered in the "second tier." The other interesting point in the article is that McCain will announce his choice quickly after Barack Obama picks his running mate. They hope it will mitigate and expected bounce from Obama's pick.

Meanwhile, The New York Daily News says Hillary Clinton may have made her way back on Obama's VP list.

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Pawlenty sits down with The Christian Broadcasting Network

Posted at 2:10 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody interviewed Gov. Pawlenty to talk about his faith, John McCain and VP speculation. CBN was started by Pat Robertson.

The interview is split in clips:

Pawlenty says he's not bashful about his faith in Christ. Video clip here.

Pawlenty says McCain will make Evangelicals proud. Video clip here.

Pawlenty on McCain's relationship with Evangelicals. Video clip here.

Pawlenty on VP speculation. Video clip here.

Pawlenty sure is busy

Posted at 2:48 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)

He's also appearing on Sean Hannity's radio show this afternoon.

UPDATE: Pawlenty just finished the interview and there wasn't much new there. He blasted away at Obama and praised McCain. He gave the standard response to the VP question and added the constant questioning can get "a little tiresome."

Meanwhile, Pat Buchanan said on MSNBC that the recent Quinnipiac poll damaged Pawlenty as a VP candidate:

"I think Gov. Pawlenty is receding as a Vice-Presidential nominee. If you're that far back in Minnesota, it's not that big and my guess is Mitt Romney begins to look a little better because he does have strength in Michigan. I think if I'm McCain, I'm looking at the big, industrial state strategy."

UPDATE:

Pawlenty was on Fox News this morning. Watch here.

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Legislative Auditor: Charter schools need greater oversight

Posted at 3:00 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Legislative Auditor released a report today that said Minnesota's Charter Schools need greater oversight. AP has a story here.

Obama to visit Fargo on Thursday

Posted at 3:08 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Fargo Forum is reporting that Democrat Barack Obama will visit Fargo on Thursday. He will reportedly meet with veterans and military families to discuss "keeping our sacred trust with those who have served our country"

DFL steps up to line but doesn't cross it

Posted at 3:50 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez held a news conference today to question GOP Sen. Norm Coleman's relationship with GOP operative Jeff Larson. The National Journal reported last week that Coleman both missed and was late paying his monthly rent payments (which was $600). DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez questioned the apartment deal saying it was below market value.

Melendez also said he may file an ethics complaint since Coleman may have been receiving some sort of gift from Larson when it came to the apartment:

"For the last year, Coleman has received a significant personal financial benefit from Larson that exceeds $100, that exceeds $250, which is the absolute limit of the Senate's gift ban even if the gift is based on personal friendship and not on business which is highly questionable in itself."

Melendez wouldn't say when he would make a decision on whether to file an ethics complaint. Perhaps he's waiting for someone else to do it like this Washington Post reporter suggests will happen.

On Friday, Coleman defended his decision to rent the apartment:

"I rent some cramped space from a friend who is a long term friend who is not a lobbyist, who doesn't, I believe, have government contracts and doesn't talk to me about any of my Senate business. I have never been lobbied by him, I've never been asked to do a favor to get a piece of business. We have a long term friendship. He's part of my political team and he has been."

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Pawlenty to lead National Education Group

Posted at 5:56 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck

Governor Pawlenty will become the chair of The Education Commission of the States on Tueday during the organization's National Forum on Educational Policy in Austin, Texas. The nonprofit, Denver based group has brought together policy makers and education leaders to work on public school issues since 1965. The chairmanship rotates every two years between Democratic and Republican governors. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius (who is also mentioned in VP chatter) is the current chair.

The post is another chance for Pawlenty to raise his national profile. His term as chair of the National Governors Association will end this summer and he's been traveling across the country campaigning on behalf of presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain. Pawlenty is often mentioned as a possible McCain running-mate.

Hello Walls!

Posted at 7:49 PM on June 30, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Washington Post is reporting that the campaign for former presidential candidate Ron Paul has invited Willie Nelson to appear at Ron Paul's Revolution Convention at Williams Arena in September (Read about it here). The counter convention is a part of Paul's new grassroots movement known as the Campaign for Liberty.

No word yet on Nelson's response but I'm thinking he may say If you've got the money (I've got the time).

In another case of strange bedfellows, Tucker Carlson has also agreed to be the emcee.