The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on January 17, 2012 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Dayton is expected to release a bonding proposal, voter ID shows up again in the Legislature, and lawmakers are heading back to Washington amid dismal approval numbers.

Around Minnesota

Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum will be spokesman for the Senate Caucus starting today.

Rep. Keith Ellison was in the MPR studios talking to Gary Eichten.

Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to announce today that Minnesota will pilot a program meant to prevent farm pollution, the Star Tribune reports.

He's also expected to release a bonding proposal today.

A bill that would put voter identification on the ballot this fall has been introduced in the Legislature.

A couple on board the Italian liner that sank over the weekend is still missing.

Midmorning will feature an update on the Wisconsin recall election effort.

In Washington

The House of Representatives starts a new session today. Some GOP lawmakers are still angry over the payroll tax cut extension.

That means it will be Rep. Michele Bachmann's first day back after dropping her bid for president.

Lawmakers return to Washington amid poor approval numbers, the Washington Post reports.

Expect even more gridlock, writes Politico. Floor action will largely be meant to influence the 2012 elections.

On the Campaign Trail

Jon Huntsman ended his race and endorsed Mitt Romney.

The candidates debated Monday night.

Romney was the main target of attacks.

The Washington Post fact-checker investigated a number of claims made during the debate.

The Fix lays out last night's winners (Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, super PACs) and losers (Ron Paul, the audience).

A new poll shows that Romney leads his opponents 2-to-1.

The New York Times looks at Rick Santorum's earmarking history, which his rivals frequently point out on the campaign trail.

Quote: "A review of some of his earmarks, viewed alongside his political donations, suggests that the river of federal money Mr. Santorum helped direct to Pennsylvania paid off handsomely in the form of campaign cash."

The New York Times writes that President Barack Obama's bid for reelection is complicated by the nation's escalating conflict with Iran.

Comments (1)

A bill that would put voter identification on the ballot this fall has been introduced in the Legislature.

Seems like the only interest MN Republicans have in our Constitution is amendments restricting individual rights. Ron Paul, are you in the wrong political Party?

Posted by Ralph Crammedin | January 17, 2012 8:24 AM

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