Polinaut: February 2, 2009 Archive

NRSC to hold fundraiser for Coleman

Posted at 8:45 AM on February 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck

The NRSC will hold a fundraiser for Norm Coleman's recount fight later this month. The National Journal says the fundraiser will be on February 11, 2009:

Billed as a "Team Coleman" fundraiser, donors can give up to $10,000: PACs and individuals are allowed to give $5,000 to the Coleman recount and another $5,000 to a special fund of the Minnesota GOP. "We'll do everything we possibly can to ensure that Sen. Coleman has all the resources he needs to carry this fight to its conclusion," said Dirk Van Dongen, president of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

Lobbying sources say that overall (on February 11 and in other events) Coleman is looking to raise an additional $1 million to sustain his legal challenge to a recent state-certified recount this gave Franken a 225 vote edge in the race. A three-judge panel in Minnesota this week heard legal arguments from lawyers on both sides about whether additional absentee ballots should be counted.

The Daily Digest: 2-2-09

Posted at 8:56 AM on February 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Happy Groundhog Day! Minnesota is still without a Senator. If it seems like you're hearing the same arguments over and over and over again - You are. MPR and the Pi Press say it could go on a bit longer.

The trial begins its second week today.

Coleman also appeared on WCCO. He left open the possibility of further court challenges and said Star Tribune reporters inserted themselves into a DFL ad in the final days of the campaign.

AP says the Norm Coleman's campaign has turned to Bush vs. Gore.

The NRSC will hold a fundraiser for Coleman later this month.

CQ looks at the fundraising numbers. Democrat Al Franken out raised and outspent Coleman.

State Government

A new poll of Minnesota's manufacturers says manufacturers are confident about the future.

It's going to be a rough week for Gov. Pawlenty's Q-Comp plan. The Legislative Auditor releases a report on the education merit pay program later this week. The Star Tribune also says nearly every teacher gets the pay raise.

AP says Pawlenty's budget plan could cost hundreds of state employees their jobs.

The Wall Street Journal says more states are looking at tax breaks to woo jobs. Pawlenty is mentioned.

The Star Tribune takes a deeper look at Pawlenty's attempt to cut the corporate income tax.

State lawmakers will start taking a closer look at Gov. Pawlenty's budget. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

Welfare fraud will also get some attention in the budget debate.

The Pi Press says conservation and arts groups are ripping Pawlenty's budget proposal.

Gov. Pawlenty tries to thread the needle on the federal stimulus package. He criticizes it but says he'll take the money.

The State Arts School fights to survive.

Transit backers say they expect an end to a major hurdle called the Cost Effectiveness Index.

A Minnesota county tries to block a tribal land buyback.

Old mining tunnels threaten a Minnesota highway project.

Pawlenty requests an ag disaster regulation.

Congress

The Senate is set to vote on a stimulus bill this week.

Businesses fare better in the Senate package.

Schools are wishing and hoping for the stimulus money.

President Obama keeps the rendition program.

He also says "Some banks won't make it."

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar attended a Super Bowl party at the White House.

Democrats hoping for a filibuster proof Senate will be disappointed. It appears that a Republican will replace Sen. Judd Gregg, reportedly will be named Commerce Secretary.

Republicans say they'll take a wait and see approach to Tom Daschle's confirmation. Daschle revealed he didn't pay taxes.

The New York Times says Klobuchar is one of the many senators who are bringing a youthful feel to the Senate.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz visited Luverne.

Marty releases fundraising totals

Posted at 10:19 AM on February 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck

John Marty, a DFL candidate for Governor, announced he raised $30,000 for his campaign for governor. Here's part of the release:

After announcing an exploratory campaign for Governor in late December 2008, Minnesotans for Marty raised nearly $30,000 in just over one week. This success came while rejecting lobbyist and PAC contributions and limiting individual contributions to $100 through the exploratory campaign. This contribution limit is consistent with Senator Marty's strong commitment to campaign finance reform and building a grassroots base. The fundraising numbers are especially impressive given these funds were raised in just nine days, including the Christmas holiday.

Thissen raises $115k

Posted at 10:48 AM on February 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck

DFL Rep. Paul Thissen raised $115,000 for his campaign for governor. Here's part of his release:

Rep. Paul Thissen's campaign for Governor reported raising more than $115,000 in just seven weeks of fundraising in 2008. The report covers the period from November 10, 2008, when Thissen filed his campaign papers, through December 31, 2008. "I'm humbled by the generosity of Minnesotans, and particularly grateful for their contributions during these difficult economic times," Thissen said. "Our campaign is proud of this strong start and how it reflects the positive response to the campaign we've received all across the state. I'm committed to work hard to continue building on this momentum."

Bakk leading DFL money race but Thissen closing gap

Posted at 1:48 PM on February 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

Tom Bakk, the chair of the powerful Tax Committee in the Minnesota Senate, reported raising $146,344 in 2008. His campaign reports having $131, 742 left in the bank.

DFL Rep. Paul Thissen is second in the money race but collected his $115k in the final two months of the year. Thissen didn't file his report yet so I'm trying to find out how much has has in the bank and whether he loaned his campaign money/ Thissen's campaign said he has $92, 843 $84,843 on-hand (Thissen's campaign corrected initial report to me). He also loaned himself $8,000 but it was repaid in full.

Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner raised $46, 219 for the year and has $53, 081 on hand.

DFL state Sen. John Marty raised $29,345 and has $35,092 left in the bank.

Former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton and former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza didn't declare their intentions until 2009 so they didn't file reports.

GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty's campaign announced last week that he raised $750,000 and has $580,000 left in the bank. Pawlenty announced that he'll announce whether he's running for a third term later this year.

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Peering behind the recount curtain

Posted at 2:55 PM on February 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck

MPR's News Cut blog takes a look at who contributed to Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken in the final two months of the year.

Proposal would shift transit money to schools

Posted at 3:55 PM on February 2, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)

Two Republican legislators say they want to take money that's now dedicated to mass transit and spend it on school buses.

The proposal would tap three transit accounts that are funded from a portion of the state sales tax on vehicle purchases, as well as a new quarter cent sales tax in metro area counties. About $100 million per year would be redirected to school districts for student transportation. Sen. Joe Gimse, R-Willmar, says the state budget crisis has created an opportunity to re-examine how government operates.

"We just think that we should shift our priorities, take another look at what are our priorities and move to this model, where we are taking care of the children of the state of Minnesota," Gimse said.

At a State Capitol news conference today, Gimse and Rep. Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, were joined by two rural school superintendents who said the money would take pressure off local property taxes and help them replace aging buses.

Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, chair of the Transit Subdivision in the Minnesota Senate, says the GOP plan would pit schools against a metro transit system that's already in financial trouble.

"Right now we have a $45 million deficit in metro area transit," Dibble said. "I think he would add another $45 million or $50 million deficit to that. We would basically have to simply stop running our buses. No one could get to work. No one could get to school who relies on the buses."

Dibble says legislators should instead work with school districts to make sure the money already dedicated to student transportation is spent effectively.

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