The Daily Digest: 7-7-08

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the 1st Daily Digest (Are those boos I hear?). Don't worry, we're celebrating by taking the rest of the week off (cue the cheers).

We start the Digest with presidential politics. John McCain will hold a town hall meeting in Hudson, WI this Friday.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination at Invesco Field before 75,000 people.

State Government

Gov. Pawlenty has not filed anything with the state archives. The office also doesn't hold on to e-mail.

Potential layofffs at a security hospital worry some lawmakers.

Big Stone 2 would take billions of gallons of water.

Conservation groups say the DNR's use of E85 is harming wildlife habitat.

Congress

Congress returns to work today from the July 4th recess. Gas prices are expected to be discussed. AP says mortgage relief, doctor fees and terrorist eavesdropping will also be on the agenda.

Forum Communications says transportation will be an issue.

The Star Tribune takes a look at where Minnesota's delegation lives while working in Washington.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum visited Tunisia.

The Minneapolis Immigrant High School celebrates commencement. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson wants changes to the USDA.

2008 Race for Senate

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman will visit Minnesota manufacturers.

Democrat Al Franken will speak at the Annual Trial Lawyers Convention in Philadelphia next week.

The Star Tribune and AP offer profiles of Democrat Al Franken.

Talking Points Memo says Coleman is misleading voters by talking about the Chinese drilling 90 miles off the U.S. coastline.

The L.A. Times says Republican candidates will have a tough time in Senate races.

2008 Race for Congress

The Rothenberg Political Report releases its latest House ratings. The 3rd, 1st and 6th are mentioned.

The Cook Political Report (subscription required) moves Minnesota's 2nd from "Solid Republican" to "Leans Republican."

NRCC Chair Tom Cole outlines his strategy during an event in Rochester. He was in Minnesota to raise money for GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and 1st District Republican Brian Davis.

The Austin Daily Herald profiles Davis.

AP says Davis, a doctor, won't increase his own personal spending on the race.

The Pi Press says returning veterans take to political battles. GOP Rep. John Kline, 2nd District DFLer Steve Sarvi, 3rd District DFLer Ashwin Madia and DFL Rep. Tim Walz are mentioned.

Madia also goes on MTV.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

The Philadelphia Inquirer handicaps the possible VP picks.

Bloomberg says former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney seems like the best fit for McCain.

South Carolina's Governor will attend a McCain event next month in Colorado.

2008 RNC

The New York Times says President Bush will speak on the first night of the convention.

The Washington Post says the GOP platform will be a major discussion during the RNC.

Anarchists plan anarchy at the convention.

2010

The St. Cloud Times takes a look at whether DFL Sen. Tarryl Clark will run for governor.

I'm wondering what the effects will be of Obama's decision to accept the party nominee at Mile High Field rather than the convention. Initially I was very excited by this news because, as is the case time and time again, it portrays Obama as the candidate of the people, for the people, and hopfully by the people. I'm still optimistic about the decision, but I do wonder how the McCain compaign will spin this and whether there will be any fallout by those involved in the convention. What makes me nervous is the fact that this was obviously intended as a way to make a statement by the campaign, and statements tend to alienate some people.