Polinaut: June 1, 2009 Archive

The Daily Digest: 6-1-09

Posted at 6:30 AM on June 1, 2009 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Minnesota Supreme Court will hold oral arguments today on Republican Norm Coleman's appeal challenging a decision that Democrat Al Franken received more votes in the 2008 U.S. Senate race. MPR will provide live radio coverage of the arguments (which start at 9AM). MPR's Bob Collins will also liveblog the event.

The Star Tribune, MPR and the New York Times have previews.

Al Franken tells MPR that he's confident that he'll win.

The Hill says Norm Coleman will be in the courtroom.

The Pi Press looks at the points of law.

MinnPost gives you a checklist of things to listen for during the arguments.

Here's a look at the judges who will be hearing the case.

AP says the candidates have spent $50 million to date.

KARE11 looks at how we got here.

Under the Dome

Legislators tell Gov. Pawlenty to cut the budget himself. The Star Tribune and AP have stories.

DFL Sen. Tarryl Clark calls Pawlenty's unallotment move a power grab.

Minnesota's must pass math test is no more.

The House Ethics Committee has a Tuesday hearing schedule over a complaint that centers on a DFL lawmaker's tweets.

The Pi Press has a story examining why the election reform bill was vetoed but I can't find a link. I'll post when/if I find it. The Pi Press has a story examining why the election reform bill was vetoed.

Here's a look at MnDOT's ombudsman.

The Star Tribune takes a look at city efforts to crack down on "dangerous dogs."

An audit says Minnesota Information Technology should be tracking projects better.

D.C.

President Obama will speak about GM's pending bankruptcy filing.

MinnPost writes that DFL Rep. Collin Peterson will be a major opponent to climate change legislation.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar appeared on CNN's State of the Union to discuss the Sonia Sotomayor.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann opines on Obama's Supreme Court pick (h/t Dump Bachmann).

Meanwhile, Senate foes soften their line on Sotomayor.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison was the keynote dinner speaker in a series of Sunday Muslim-oriented events at the Metropolitan Convention Center celebrating diversity.

U.S. energy weatherization funds go more to cold weather states than warmer weather states. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2010

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher tells MinnPost that she's thinking about running for governor. Not sure I would jump to the conclusion, however, that she's in.

The Fix writes about Pawlenty's looming decision.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty is invited to speak at the 2010 Southern Republican Leadership Conference.

Comment on this post

Several ways to get live coverage of the MN Supremes

Posted at 6:44 AM on June 1, 2009 by Tom Scheck

MPR News will provide live radio/internet coverage of the Minnesota Supreme Court hearing this morning on Minnesota's long-running U.S. Senate race. MPR's Bob Collins will also liveblog the event (with help from me, I hope). The fun starts a little bit before 9 this morning. You can check out the liveblog on News Cut or watch the feed here:

Coleman comments

Posted at 10:54 AM on June 1, 2009 by Tom Scheck

Norm Coleman spoke briefly with reporters after the MN Supreme Court hearing. You can listen to his comments here:

Listen

By the way, Democrat Al Franken spoke with MPR's Mark Zdechlik over the weekend. You can read the story on his comments here.

You can listen to Franken's interview with Zdechlik here:

Listen

Franken fundraises off of hearing

Posted at 12:26 PM on June 1, 2009 by Tom Scheck

AP's Brian Bakst has a fascinating look at how much money Democrat Al Franken and Republican Norm Coleman have raised over the past few years.

Democrat Al Franken's campaign is using today's oral arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court to raise money. Franken's campaign manager, Stephanie Schriock, sent out a fundraising e-mail to supporters. Will Norm follow suit?

Dear Friend,

Today, after a long and careful recount and trial, our legal team defended our close victory in the U.S. Senate race before the Minnesota State Supreme Court.

On behalf of Al, Franni, and all of us, I want to thank you again for your support (and your patience!). And I'd like to take a moment to answer a few questions many of you have asked.

Q: WHAT CAN I DO?
A: Although this should be the last step in the process, national Republicans have offered to bankroll even more legal challenges on behalf of their candidate. Our talented legal team will continue to protect what we've won - and your contribution will allow that work to happen.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION!

Q: WHEN WILL THIS BE OVER?
A: After today's oral arguments, Norm Coleman's appeal is in the hands of the Minnesota Supreme Court. We don't know when they'll issue a ruling - but we're confident that our victory, which has withstood so much scrutiny already, will stand once again.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE COURT RULES?
A: A ruling upholding our victory will allow Al to receive the certificate of election and take his seat in the U.S. Senate. However, national Republicans have pledged to do anything they can to block the seating of a 60th Democratic Senator, no matter what the Supreme Court says, so our legal team will continue to protect what we've won. If you'd like to help them do so, please make a contribution today.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Q: HOW ARE AL AND FRANNI DOING?
A: Al and Franni are incredibly grateful for all the support they've received - and, although they're enjoying being able to eat dinner together a bit more frequently than during the campaign, they're working hard in preparation for their move to Washington. Al is building a staff, receiving policy briefings, and meeting with Democratic leadership so that he can hit the ground running as soon as he's sworn in.

From all of us at TeamFranken, thank you so much for your hard work and your strong support. The victory we won together was close but important, and I know that when Al is seated, he'll be a Senator who makes all of us proud.

Thanks and best wishes,

Stephanie

Stephanie Schriock
Campaign Manager
Al Franken for Senate