Capitol View: September 10, 2008 Archive

The Daily Digest: 9-10-08

Posted at 9:13 AM on September 10, 2008 by Molly Bloom
Filed under: Campaign 2008, Daily Digest

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, Democrat Al Franken and Dean Barkley of the Independence Party won their parties' primaries last night.

Franken's daughter Thomasin encourages young people to vote on the Iron Range.

Norm Coleman joins the bipartisan "Gang of 16," which is trying to get Congress to compromise on energy.

2008 Race for Congress

Republican Brian Davis defeated state Senator Dick Day in last night's primary. He'll take on Democratic Rep. Tim Walz in MN's 1st Congressional District.

GOP-endorsed candidate Glen Menze defeated Alan Roebke by about 500 votes. Menze will go on to challenge DFL Rep. Collin Peterson in the 7th Congressional District.

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison and Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann comfortably defeated primary challengers, Gregg A. Iverson and Aubrey Immelman.

Republican Erik Paulsen hits the air in the 3rd Congressional District.

For full primary results, visit the Secretary of State's website.

2008 Race for President

Rep. Michele Bachmann and state Rep. Laura Brod are two of the Republican women on the "truth squad" formed to defend Gov. Sarah Palin from attacks.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows Palin energizes voters on both sides.

Four Minnesota business leaders endorse Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama runs this ad on education, while McCain starts running this ad in Minnesota.

The New York Times says both candidates have ties to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lobbyists.

In this fast-paced race, fiction becomes fact before it can be debunked, says the Washington Post.

With Republicans newly energized by the Palin pick, Time reports that the Obama campaign is focusing on its ground game.

And Ralph Nader will be on the ballot in Minnesota.

State Government

State Rep. Neil Peterson of the "Override Six" is defeated in his primary, while Rep. Jim Abeler holds on.

Levies

Ten school ballot questions get approval, while three fail.

2008 RNC

Former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger has been hired to conduct an independent review of police planning and tactics.

Sheriff Bob Fletcher defends his department's handling of jailed protesters.

Bridges

The I-35W bridge could open as early as Tuesday.

The U.S. Govt's bridge repair program has some problems, says the Government Accountability Office.

And in other news...

Sen. Larry Craig will ask the Minnesota Court of Appeals today to allow him to withdraw his guilty plea.