The Daily Digest: 7-21-08

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken will share the stage at Farmfest.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says she won't pick sides in the DFL primary battle. McCollum has criticized Franken in the past.

Meanwhile, CQ says Franken is stumbling.

2008 Race for President

Democrat Barack Obama is in the Middle East.

Jim Dobson says he may back McCain.

Some Minnesota veterans will rally for McCain today.

2008 Race for Congress

MPR takes a look at the 1st.

GOP Rep. John Kline advertises at the Elko Speedway.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz campaigns in St. Charles.

MinnPost says 6th District DFLer Elwyn Tinklenberg is more optimistic than national Dems over his chances against GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The Star Tribune says drilling more now won't necessarily mean immediate relief at the pump.

The story comes as Bachmann takes an energy tour in Alaska.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Pawlenty is second on the Fix's VP List.

The New York Times writes about the "try-outs." Pawlenty is mentioned.

McCain jokes about VP celeb "looks."

Is South Dakota John Thune trying out for VP?

What about John Hoeven?

Congress

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar toured some state bridges over the weekend. He wants more money for bridge and road spending.

Bridge spending will be discussed this week in Congress.

Backers are hopeful for a vote on the mental health bill.

A group wants action on a consumer safety bill. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

AP says medically unfit drivers are still on the road. Oberstar is mentioned.

State Government

Teen driving restrictions go into effect on August 1st.

The biodiesel well runs dry in the Twin Cities.

The city of Minneapolis won't get some federal aid it requested as a result of the bridge collapse.

The Army National Guard is doing well with recruiting in Minnesota.

JOBZ draws a mixed reaction.

2008 RNC

RNC gets control of the Xcel Energy Center this week.

The Pi Press writes about the anarchists intentions during the RNC.

St. Paul hospital officials hold a news conference today to detail their preparations for the RNC. The Star Tribune has a story.

Joe Lieberman says he would address the RNC.

2010

Former GOP Sen. Rod Grams says he'll consider a run for governor.

Finally

The oops of the day.