The Daily Digest: 6-24-08

Posted at 8:55 AM on June 24, 2008 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The relationship between DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and Barack Obama lead the digest today.

The New York Times quotes Ellison as saying that some of his efforts to help Obama were rebuffed by the campaign. He said Muslims are frustrated with the campaign.

Fox News says Ellison confronted Obama about the treatment of two Muslim women at a campaign event.

The Wall Street Journal says NARAL Catholics are lining up for Obama. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will appear at a Unity event.

John McCain's advisor says he deeply regrets saying a terror attack would help McCain in the election.

The Pentagon says Iraq violence is down after the troop surge.

Smart Politics says Obama is polling ahead of McCain in Iowa and Minnesota but so was John Kerry (over George Bush) at the same time four years ago.

2008 Race for Senate

WCCO picks up on Norm Coleman's latest ad and allegations that Coleman's wife, Laurie, was in front of a green screen.

Meanwhile the DSCC and the Al Franken campaign continue to hammer Coleman on his comments regarding Iraq.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Pawlenty makes the TV rounds again. He was on Morning Joe and Fox and Friends (the McCain campaign referred reporters to his comments on Fox).

Time Magazine's Joe Klein said McCain is frustrated with the VP process because he can't pick any of his top three choices. Pawlenty is not on the list.

That being said, USA Today's Political blog mocks Klein and the VP speculation.

Newsweek wonders whether McCain will pick Pawlenty.

The L.A. Times says Pawlenty is giving too much information.

Marc Ambinder says McCain is looking at an early August date to announce his running mate.

State Government

Officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation will give their response to the Gray Plant Moody report this afternoon. Some state officials will tour the 35W bridge site in the morning.

Governor Pawlenty will announce appointments to the Court of Appeals and appears at a Coca-Cola bottling plant to tout new Coke hybrid trucks.

Four Minnesota counties qualify for FEMA assistance.

A deadline looms for Minnesota's new pool safety law.

The Met Council is proposing higher bus and train fares.

Some judges are getting fed up with budget cuts.

Some local governments don't like the LGA surprise.

The Star Tribune says Minnesota is riding the ethanol roller coaster.

Congress

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar calls for greater oversight of oil speculation.

Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland calls for greater energy regulation. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

The IRS boosts its mileage deduction. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz blogs about the new FISA law. He says it gives the Bush Administration a free pass on past actions.

AP says the Farm Bill is a mixed bag for organic farmers. Walz is mentioned.

Politico says retiring GOP Reps (like GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad) are frustrating GOP leadership.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann blogs that oil exploration is essential for lower gas prices.

The National Journal says fireworks are expected before the recess. Oberstar is mentioned.

2008 RNC

The local host committee is putting the call out for volunteers.

Finally

A study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life says religion likely plays a bigger role in shaping social and political attitudes than people realize.

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