Capitol View: October 4, 2009 Archive

The Daily Digest

Posted at 8:52 AM on October 4, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

State Rep. Marty Seifert of Marshall won a gubernatorial straw poll of GOP activists at Saturday's MNGOP convention. State Rep. Tom Emmer of Delano finished second. Former State Auditor Pat Anderson finished third. MPR, the Pi Press, Forum Communications, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.

You can find the full results of the straw poll here.

You can also listen to the speeches that each candidate made to the delegates on Saturday here.

The candidates also took part in a forum on Friday night. You can listen to that forum here.

The Pi Press points out that the straw poll has been a poor predictor of the eventual nominee.

Meanwhile, a few more candidates may enter the race. Two sources close to GOP Rep. Laura Brod say she may get into the race later this month. Charlie Weaver, with the Minnesota Business Partnership, is also thinking about running. And former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman is also mulling it over.

Gov. Pawlenty said he isn't going to take sides right now in the endorsement battle.

The Star Tribune says the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul are testing the waters for a gov run.

The head of the MN Chamber said he's worried that there are no candidates with strong business experience in the race.

Stu Rothenberg calls Minnesota's governor race a toss-up.

Congress

Eight U.S. soldiers were killed in Afghanistan.

A U.S. report says Iran has the data to make a nuclear bomb.

Congress says it is poised for "real action" against Iran.

The health care overhaul is drawing closer to a floor debate.

President Obama said health insurance reform will help small business.

The Obama Administration looks at ways to help laid off workers.

An Obama adviser says there is no way Congress will pass a climate change bill this year.

Obama failed in his attempt to secure the Olympics for Chicago.

Taxpayers footed $1 million for Obama's Denmark trip.

A GAO report poses some tough questions for ethanol.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is urging care for a relocated U.S. marine with PTSD. You can find background on the story here.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz visited Windom.

He also called for a new transportation bill and has scheduled a town hall on Afghanistan.

GOP Reps. John Kline, Erik Paulsen and Michele Bachmann addressed the MNGOP convention. You can listen to their speeches here.

Ag groups are unhappy with the Senate Climate Change bill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is impressed with MnDOT's stimulus spending.

Under the Dome

The health department says three Minnesotans died of H1N1.

Gov. Pawlenty said on Friday that Minnesota needs the Vikings. He told reporters on Saturday that he purposely didn't go farther than that when it comes to policy, state subsidies, etc.

Pawlenty and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle will attend the Vikings/Packers game.

Somalia

Somalia's president visited Minnesota on Saturday. He gave a speech in Minneapolis on Saturday.

He told MPR that he believes that recruiters who lured Minnesota men to fight with a terrorist group remain in the United States.

Meanwhile, a Minnesota man returns to Somalia to become chief.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty spoke to the South Dakota Republican Party on Friday night.

Former Bush White House political director Karl Rove weighed in on a Pawlenty 2012 run during a speech in Northfield.

2010 Race for Congress

CQ looks at the DFL battle in the 6th between DFL state Sen. Tarryl Clark and Dr. Maureen Reed.

Reed hires some campaign staff.