The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:55 AM on January 11, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty plans to release his plan of state backed construction projects this week. His spokesman said it would be in the neighborhood of $750 million. The news was released after Pawlenty and legislative leaders met on Friday to discuss the budget problem and the upcoming session. No fixes were found. Democrats in control of the Legislature say they plan to put the bonding bill on the fast track.

Speaking of fast track, the parties involve in the unallotment lawsuit agreed to put the appeal on the fast track. The plaintiffs agreed only after attorneys for the state said they wouldn't withhold payments to the low-income enrolled in a special diet program.

Wisconsin and Minnesota are on track to save $11 million through a shared services program.

Nearly 200 MN Reservists will head to Iraq soon.

The Stillwater Prison went on full lockdown.

2010 Race for Governor

Republican Marty Seifert said on WCCO's Sunday Morning that he'll release his 2009 fundraising numbers this week. He said he raised more than DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. She announced on Friday that she raised $254,000.

MPR looks at whether Republican Norm Coleman will get into the race. Listen to his appearance at a GOP fundraiser here.

Democrat Mark Dayton will "kick-off" his campaign on January 20th in St. Paul.

The DFL Progressive Caucus backed DFLer John Marty.

GOP Rep. Tom Emmer says he's not a career politician.

The Pi Press said the DFLers will battle through a primary while the GOP could have clear sailing after the convention.

Stu Rothenberg calls the race a toss-up.

Here's where the candidates for governor will campaign this week.

2010 Other
State Auditor Rebecco Otto, a Democrat, will announce her reelection bid today.

Congress

President Obama gets a head start promoting the health care overhaul.

The public option appears DOA.

Republicans say Harry Reid should quit because he made questionable comments about President Obama, who he backed for president.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will kick off a statewide jobs tour today in St. Paul.

The Star Tribune surveys the delegation to see who supports body scanners at airports.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says the health care overhaul bill is an improvement.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison proposes a public jobs bill.

The St. Cloud Times says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is preparing to embark on several speeches.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says he's a no on the climate change bill.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty will raise money for a state senate candidate tonight.

Pawlenty was in Washington D.C. over the weekend for private meetings regarding his federal PAC.

Pawlenty slams President Obama regarding international security.

The Atlantic says Pawlenty's PAC website gets a redesign.

Texas Monthly suggests Texas Gov. Rick Perry could get into the 2012 race.

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