Capitol View Category Archive: Daily Digest

The Daily Digest (Dayton to veto tort reform laws, 17k in MN helped by Foreclosure settlement, House passes STOCK Act)

Posted at 6:21 AM on February 10, 2012 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton is expected to veto tort reform legislation today. He has a media availability scheduled for 9:30. Dayton has until Saturday to take action on the legislation.

The LCCMR is scheduled to meet today. The first meeting since House Speaker Kurt Zellers attempted to fire the group's executive director.

A foreclosure settlement between large banks and state attorneys general could help 17,000 homeowners in Minnesota.

There are concerns and praise for the Minnesota's waiver to the federal No Child Left Behind law.

The House passed a bill that would block the use of state funds for union dues for child care providers.

The U of M's Board of Regents draw lines today for debate over Steve Sviggum's dual roles.

Some lawmakers say the invasive species fight is going too far.

A study says requiring a supermajority for a tax increase would increase property taxes.

Gov. Dayton says he isn't sure if he'll veto the so-called Castle Doctrine bill. The full Senate is scheduled to vote on the measure.

A bill that would ban executive rule-making has been approved by a Senate Committee.

Vikings Stadium

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he's still confident in their stadium proposal despite a gap in funding.

Ramsey County is trying again.

A Duluth lawmaker wants the Vikings to move to Duluth.

Same-sex marriage ban

Gov. Dayton says he believes Minnesotans will reject the proposed constitutional amendment.

Congress

ABC News is reporting that President Obama will announce an "accommodation for religious organizations" on the contraception rule.

President Obama's birth control policy has divided Democrats.

The House passed the Congressional insider trading bill. DFL Rep. Tim Walz introduced the legislation.

The EPA has delayed a proposed copper-nickel mine on the Iron Range.

Alabama Sen. Spencer Bachus is facing an insider trading investigation.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison helps launch the Democratic campaign finance push.

A U.S. agency issued the first construction approval of a nuclear plant in the U.S.

Howard Stern ripped GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann on the air.

Party Politics

The DFL Party's debt is deeper than disclosed in December.

Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says running for president was "one series of humiliations after another."

Race for President

Some Republicans are growing concerned that Mitt Romney isn't gaining strength.

AP says CPAC attendees aren't embracing Mitt Romney's campaign but believe he's better than President Obama.

Rick Santorum raised more than $2 million since Tuesday.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on February 9, 2012 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest where a new poll shows a 65 percent of Minnesotans disapprove of the Legislature, Minneapolis is short on cash for its Vikings stadium proposal, and Minnesota will get a NCLB waiver.

Around Minnesota

MPR looks at the voter I.D. debate.

A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows that 65 percent of Minnesotans disapprove of the state Legislature, while17 percent approve and 18 percent are not sure.

The same poll shows that 50 percent of Minnesotans approve of Gov. Mark Dayton; 33 percent disapprove and 17 percent are not sure.

Dayton says a state-run hospital needs upgrades and better training.

Rick Nolan won the DFL straw-poll caucus in the 8th District.

MPR reports Minneapolis is nearly $55 million short on cash for its proposed Vikings stadium.

A bill introduced Wednesday would ban former legislators from becoming a MnSCU trustee or University of Minnesota regent for two years after leaving office, MPR writes.

The Legislature has sent Datyon a package of bills that would change how civil lawsuits are handled, the Associated Press reports.

3M has a new president.

In Washington

The STOCK Act is expected to passthe U.S. House of Representatives today.

Minnesota will be among the first 10 states to get a No Child Left Behind waiver.

Rep. Chip Cravaack called an administration rule that would require all health insurance plans to cover birth control "an act of federal aggression."

The U.S. House leadership will fight the rule, too.

The House passed legislation that would allow the President to veto specific parts of spending bills.

Around the Nation

Washington State is poised to legalize same-sex marriage.

The New York Times reports that banks have reached a $26 billion settlement with the states that could help those who owe more on the mortgages than their houses are worth.

On the Campaign Trail

Rick Santorum's wins in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado may not have scored him delegates but the victories did help him raise $250,000 overnight.

Low turnout at the Minnesota caucuses helped Santorum and hindered Romney, MPR reports.

His victory may be just as much a sign that conservatives are wary of Mitt Romney, the New York Times reports.

Wednesday, Santorum was in Texas talking to a group of pastors.

Social issues have reappeared in the political debate along with Santorum's surge, the Washington Post reports.

So far, it looks like the GOP will do well when it comes to keeping seats in the Senate.

Money and Politics

Politico has a good primer on how super PACs make their money. Minnesota's Stan Hubbard, who gave $100,000 to the conservative American Crossroads PAC, is quoted.

Obama is beating his own record for small dollar donations.

The New York Times profiles Foster Friess, a wealthy donor who will support Santorum.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Santorum sweeps, Paul finishes second in MN, Walz says GOP working to weaken STOCK Act)

Posted at 6:51 AM on February 8, 2012 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Republican race for president got a little bit more interesting. It isn't so inevitable that Mitt Romney is the nominee. Rick Santorum made sure of it. Santorum won Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado.

Enthusiasm won the day in Eagan.

Ron Paul, who got second in Minnesota, says the result "opens up the door."

ABC News says even though no delegates were awarded on Tuesday night, it was a rebuke of the Romney campaign's belief that he'll sail to the nomination.

Romney's campaign was left to explain away why Tuesday's results didn't matter.

The Washington Post says Minnesota dealt Romney his biggest blow.

Tim Pawlenty, who backed Romney, said on CNN that congratulations are in order for Santorum. Pawlenty wasn't in Minnesota for the caucuses. He was at a speaking engagement at Kansas University.

Romney's setback comes at a time when news outlets are starting to examine Romney's jobs record in Massachusetts. The Washington Post called it "unremarkable."

Race for Congress

Rick Nolan won a DFL Straw poll in the 8th Congressional District over Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson. DFL insiders in the 8th say they're surprised at how strong Anderson did on the Iron Range.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann didn't attend the caucuses because of votes in Congress.

Under the Dome

Faith leaders rally to defeat efforts to require people to present photo identification to vote.

The Star Tribune says Legacy dollars are being used to cover cuts in conservation.

The State Integration Task Force adopts a plan.

Same-sex marriage debate

A federal appeals court declared California's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

Economy

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke tells a Senate Committee to focus on economic growth now and cutting the deficit later.

Greek parties delay bailout talks despite EU threats.

Congress

The talks to extend the payroll tax cut aren't going so well.

The Washington Post has a good series that examines the financial statements of Congress. The series found that some lawmakers have steered funds for public projects to areas that are close to their personal homes.

It also says members of Congress are guiding millions of dollars to groups with ties to their relatives.

A Komen executive steps down.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says GOP leaders are working to weaken his insider trader bill.

DFL Sen. Al Franken introduced a courthouse security bill.

Politico says GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen broke with House Republicans on an amendment to the transportation bill.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on February 7, 2012 by Catharine Richert (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest where it's caucus day in Minnesota and Colorado, and primary day in Missouri.

Around Minnesota

Find your precinct here.

Here's MPR's FAQ on the caucuses.

MPR will have coverage of the caucuses, so tune in.

Ron Paul will host a post-caucus party at the Golden Valley Metropolitan Ballroom and Clubroom at 8:30 p.m.

Newt Gingrich will be in Ohio.

One poll has Rick Santorum leading the pack.

Several candidates campaigned in Minnesota Monday. Santorum was in Rochester talking health care.

Paul was in St. Cloud.

Gingrich was in Bloomington.

In a conference call, Tim Pawlenty went after Rick Santorum so Mitt Romney didn't have to.

Conservative columnist Bill Kristol says the Romney campaign is "abusing poor Tim Pawlenty."

MinnPost takes a look at what the DFL will be doing tonight.

The Pollution Control Agency says it's doing a good job of meeting a new mandate that requires it to issue environmental permits within 150 days, the Duluth News Tribune reports.

The teachers union in the Anoka-Hennepin school district endorsed proposed changes to its sexual orientation policy.

A group of rabbis oppose a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.

Rep. Keith Ellison held a press conference Monday in opposition of a constitutional amendment that would require photo identification to vote. The topic is likely to come up at tonight's caucuses.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak rallied workers' support for a Vikings stadium.

In Washington

Chase Kroll will run Rep. Michele Bachmann's upcoming congressional election. Kroll has worked on Bachmann's campaigns in the past.

Bachmann tells Bloomberg TV that she was the perfect candidate.

Bachmann supporters may be weary of her calls for contributions, the St. Cloud Times reports.

The U.S. Embassy in Syria has closed, reports the New York Times.

An investigation by the Washington Post shows that 33 members of Congress steered earmarks to projects that benefited their residential or commercial properties.

The Associated Press reports that President Barack Obama's defense cuts are forcing budget hawks to choose between politics and principles.

Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar voted against allowing long-term funding for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Money and Politics

Sen. Al Franken has become a one of the biggest Democratic fundraisers in the party.

NPR's Fresh Air interviewed journalist Joe Hagan about super PACs.

More than a third of the political ads this election season have been funded by non-profits that never have to reveal their donors, the Washington Post reports.

Two of Obama's biggest donors have ties to a fugitive who fled to Mexico, the New York Times reports.

He's giving the money back.

Meanwhile, Obama is signalling to donors they should contribute to a super PAC supporting his election.

Finally

This Louisiana Representative thought this Onion article was real enough to post to his Facebook page.

He's since taken it down.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (MN is ready for the GOP closeup, Obama winning head to head against Romney, House to vote on STOCK Act)

Posted at 11:19 PM on February 5, 2012 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota's precinct caucuses matter to the Republican candidates for president.

Three of the four Republican candidates for president will be in Minnesota today. Rick Santorum will give a health care speech in Rochester. Ron Paul will hold events in St. Cloud and Minneapolis and Newt Gingrich will hold a rally in St. Paul. CNN reports that Mitt Romney was going to visit today but decided to campaign in Colorado instead. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former United National Ambassador John Bolton will hold a rally for Mitt Romney today.

A new poll says Minnesota's caucuses are a toss-up.

AP says Minnesota's rightward drift challenges Romney.

Santorum made an appearance at an Eden Prairie mega church on Sunday and campaigned in Bemidji.

Ron Paul campaigned in Minnesota on Saturday.

Former MNGOP Chair Chris Georgacas is backing Paul's campaign.

Romney also announced support from some Minnesota politicians.

Romney won Nevada on Saturday.

Gingrich says he's staying in the race.

Romney split with Brett O'Donnell.

Meanwhile...

As the GOP candidates criss-cross the country, President Obama told a national audience that he deserves a second term.

A Washington Post ABC News poll says Obama's approval rating is at 50 percent and he's winning a head to head against Romney.

The New York Times says Obama's team is always watching Romney for flubs.

Under the Dome

The Taxpayers League of Minnesota is targeting some of its closest conservative allies in the Legislature over Racino.

A civilly committed sex offender has won provisional release.

Gov. Dayton wrote an op-ed saying he hopes the session gets better.

Dayton also pledged support for more funding for the Hwy 101 river crossing.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem says the Senate is keeping a watch list on two of Dayton's appointments.

GOP Sen. David Hann knocks Gov. Dayton over the spending of federal health funds.

Senate Democrats are pushing for more info on the decision to hire an outside legal firm over a potential lawsuit involving former staffer Michael Brodkorb.

Same-sex marriage debate

The marriage amendment will be discussed at precinct caucuses.

Vikings Stadium

You're not alone if you're dizzy from the characterizations of stalling and fast-track deals regarding the stadium stalling and fast-tracks.

Yet another Vikings Stadium plan may be rolled out this week.

The Star Tribune says another plan is on the fast-track.

This comes just days after reports that a deal on a stadium was in trouble because lawmakers were concerned about Gov. Dayton's tone. For the record, no stadium bill has been introduced yet.

Congress

President Obama said diplomacy is the preferred solution on Iran but didn't rule out military force.

A deal is closer on a U.S. plan for mortgage relief.

General Motors is hoping for a $10 billion profit.

Unemployment reached a three year low sending the stock market soaring.

Egypt plans to prosecute 19 Americans as part of a probe involving funding for pro-Democracy groups.

Violence in Syria continues.

The decision to extend the payroll tax cut has splintered the GOP.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz' STOCK Act will get a vote next week.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann ditched her long-time staffer and political adviser.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack is pushing legislation to help northeastern Minnesota mines.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Union battle coming, Anderson picks up two key backers, Presidential hopefuls to visit MN)

Posted at 6:24 AM on February 3, 2012 by Tom Scheck (4 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Republicans start their push for a constitutional amendment that outlaws mandatory union membership. They held a news conference on Thursday to announce that they were introducing a bill.

Tidbit: Union activists believe there are at least ten solid no votes in the House Republican caucus right now. Some others have approached the Speaker of the House to ask him not to allow a floor vote on the amendment.

Plans have been approved for conservation projects.

In a rare move, the state shut down a child care center.

Iron Range Democrats are seeking money to develop the Lake Vermilion park.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis will lead Gov. Dayton's group that will examine state aid to cities.

Democrats in the Minnesota Senate are pressing Republican leaders for more information about their preparations for a potential lawsuit alleging wrongful termination.

AP says former staffer Michael Brodkorb's chances of winning a lawsuit against the Senate would be slim.

Rolling Stone profiles the problems with Anoka-Hennepin schools.

Vikings Stadium

The electronic pull-tab plan has a higher projected take.

Congress

U.S. officials are concerned about Israel's statements on Iran.

A Swiss bank has been indicted by the U.S. on fraud charges.

The Senate passed the STOCK act. It will also get a vote in the U.S House after GOP House Majority Leader Eric Cantor relented to public pressure. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is the chief backer of the bill in the House.

At a national prayer breakfast, President Obama said his politics are an extension of his religion.

The White House is proposing a plan that they say will lure jobs to the U.S.

Republicans in the House are working to repair their image.

Republicans went after Attorney General Eric Holder in a hearing.

DFL Sen. Al Franken is asking Komen to reconsider their decision regarding ending funds for Planned Parenthood.

Update: DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar also wrote a letter asking Komen to reconsider.

American Crystal Union will fight the U.S. sugar program.

The Labor Department backs off a new limit on child farm labor.

The Star Tribune reports that behind the scenes efforts to get a new Congressional map has fallen short among Minnesota's delegation. Read the last graph first. It's not happening and didn't have much chance to begin with since those who had the power to make it happen in St. Paul didn't even know about it. The courts drop the map on Feb. 21.

Race for Congress

Two people with knowledge of the endorsements say Duluth Mayor Don Ness and DFL state Rep. Tom Rukavina will back Jeff Anderson's bid for Congress today.

The DFL candidates in the 3rd District will participate in an online debate today at 11am.

Race for U.S. Senate

The GOP candidates met in Two Harbors.

Fundraising

Hubbard Broadcasting gave $100,000 to Karl Rove's Super PAC.

Funny men (and women) gave to Franken.

Norm Coleman and Vin Weber's Super PAC raised $130,000.

Race for President

Donald Trump backs Mitt Romney.

Romney is also working to contain his comments regarding the "poor." He said he "misspoke."

Ron Paul will campaign in Minnesota on Saturday and Monday.

Rick Santorum will be in Bemidji on Sunday.

House Speaker Kurt Zellers and GOP House Majority Leader Matt Dean will back Romney.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:38 AM on February 2, 2012 by Catharine Richert (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest where opponents of a voter ID bill packed a Senate hearing, the STOCK Act is getting attention once again, and Romney was in Minnesota.

Around Minnesota

DFLers in the state Legislature are pushing a jobs agenda.

Opponents of a constitutional amendment that would require identification to vote packed a Senate hearing Wednesday.

According to the Star Tribune, Sen. Tom Bakk wants to know what authority Secretary of the Senate Cal Ludeman has to hire legal representation. Ludeman hired a lawyer last month in case former staffer Michael Brodkorb brings legal action against the chamber.

The state's 40-year-old fiscal disparities tax is explained.

Groups opposing and supporting a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage have published their fundraising and spending numbers for 2011.

The state's manufacturing index jumped in January.

Republican Rep. Bruce Anderson he will likely run for Sen. Amy Koch's Senate seat.

Jefferson Fietek, who as a teacher in the Anoka-Hennepin school district has been active in efforts to combat bullying, says he's running as a DFLer for the Minnesota Senate.

The City Pages reports that Melissa Hill, the first person arrested at the state's Occupy Wall Street protests, has agreed to a financial settlement.

Rep. Chip Cravaack talked to constituents in the 8th.

In Washington

National Public Radio has an update on the STOCK Act. Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

President Barack Obama has a new housing refinance plan.

The Associated Press writes that the proposal was composed with election-year politics in mind.

Sen. Al Franken is among a handful of Senators who say the Rules Committee will be holding hearings on super PACs.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann pushed back on reports that she was considering endorsing Mitt Romney.

Romney was in Minnesota Wednesday.

He got glitter bombed.

Romney and the other candidates made stops in Nevada, too.

He's being criticized by his opponents for saying that he's not too concerned about the very poor because they have a safety net. (He says he's not concerned about the very rich, either.)

A new Gallup poll has Romney leading Newt Gingrich by five percentage points.

Donald Trump will endorse Gingrich.

Minnesota's upcoming caucuses will influence the GOP presidential race, says state party chair Pat Shortridge.

The Washington Post has more detail on contributions to the pro-Gingrich super PAC Winning Our Future.

No Joke

I spend a fair amount of time in Rochester. And I'm not kidding when I say the crow situation down there is out of control.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Bachmann to back Romney? A profile of Bob Cummins, Klobuchar has $4.6 m in the bank)

Posted at 6:41 AM on February 1, 2012 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Mitt Romney will make a campaign stop in Minnesota today. He won the Florida primary yesterday. He also picked up Secret Service protection.

The Boston Globe reports this morning that Romney is in talks with Michele Bachmann about having Bachmann back Romney's campaign.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann ended her presidential campaign $447k in debt.

Tim Pawlenty's campaign is also reporting debt. Romney helped dig Pawlenty out of the hole though.

Newt Gingrich says it's a 2-person race.

President Obama raised $68 million in the 4th quarter of 2011.

Romney has $20 million in the bank.

Fundraising race

MPR has a profile of Bob Cummins, who is among the largest donors to Minnesota Republicans and conservative causes.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar raised $1 million for the quarter. She has $4.6 million in the bank. Here are the fundraising figures for the congressional races.

The groups supporting an effort to ban same-sex marriage raised $830,000 in 2011.

Florida Congressman Allen West will headline the Republican Party's Lincoln Reagan dinner.

Leading Republican groups raised four times the amount of the Democratic counterparts nationally.

The super PAC American Crossroads raised $51 million.

Under the Dome

Lawmakers are taking a break after today.

A House committee approved a bill that would limit how unions can collect dues on child care assistance funds.

A GOP lawmaker says the governor must wait for the legislature to act on a health insurance exchange.

A battle to end teacher seniority in Minnesota begins.

A Minnesota Senate panel OKs a business property tax bill.

Campaign finance officials dismissed a complaint against GOP Sen. David Thompson.

Some Democrats are pushing for tougher reforms of the Minnesota Legislature.

The Health Department begins destroying newborn blood samples.

Vikings Stadium

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says he has concerns about the stadium funding for the Target Center renovation.

Congress

The federal budget deficit dipped to $1.1 trillion.

An Intelligence Chief says Iran is willing to strike the U.S.

Democrats say a House Committee has found no evidence that top officials were behind a botched gun probe.

Susan G. Komen drops funding for Planned Parenthood.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:32 AM on January 31, 2012 by Catharine Richert (5 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the state Senate rejected Dayton's PUC pick, the death of a wind energy tax credit could be bad for the state's industry, and a liberal super PAC is targeting Cravaack.

Around Minnesota

The Senate rejected Ellen Anderson as chief of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Gov. Mark Dayton is not pleased.

Former Senate staffer Michael Brodkorb has hired another lawyer. The Senate has hired counsel as well.

The Star Tribune has a story on Brodkorb, too.

MPR looks at education issues likely to come up this legislative session.

DFL Rep. Joe Atkins will introduce a bill to establish a health care insurance exchange.

Dayton and the Legislature are headed for conflict on the exchanges.

Minnesota Majority says the state must do a better jobs of telling felons they can't vote while on parole or probation, MPR reports.

Rep. Mark Murdock won't seek a third term.

A pro-St. Croix bridge group says a survey of area residents support a new structure.

Ex-offenders will be at the Capitol to push for job application changes.

Today at 2:30: Mayor Chris Coleman and Council President Lantry will meet with Dayton to outline concerns with stadium plans.

Around the Nation

Newly elected Republican governors are moderating their tone, the New York Times reports. Gov. Scott Walker is mentioned.

In Colorado, a lawsuit is challenging voter control of the state's budgeting process, the New York Times reports.

Income grew .5 percent in less than a year.

In Washington

If Congress declines to renew the production tax credit for wind energy, the industry will suffer in 2013.

Republican lawmakers want to eliminate the state income tax.

Rep. Michele Bachmann hasn't decided if she'll endorse a candidate.

Rep. Betty McCollum supports Xcel Energy in its bid to change EPA rules for coal-fired power plants, the Pioneer Press reports.

Money and Politics

A liberal super PAC is targeting Rep. Chip Cravaack.

Rep. Erik Paulsen has $1 million, Politics in Minnesota reports.

On the Campaign Trail

Today is the Florida primary.

Polls show Romney leading there.

Romney and Newt Gingrich are keeping up the heated attacks.

Gingrich outlined his agenda for his first day in the White House.

Rick Santorum was in Minnesota Monday night.

Romney will be here Wednesday.

Santorum's youngest child, Bella, who is ill, has become a focal point in her father's campaign.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Senate to reject Anderson's confirmation, Santorum in Luverne, Sunset Commission keeps lights on)

Posted at 6:29 AM on January 30, 2012 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The partisanship in the Minnesota Senate is about to get a uglier today. That's because the Republican majority appear to be preparing to remove one of Gov. Dayton's appointments on a party line vote. Deputy Majority Leader Julianne Ortman said the Senate will likely reject PUC Chair Ellen Anderson appointment today. Ortman and Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem declined to discuss specifics except to say that they believe Anderson's record is "controversial."

Gov. Dayton said Anderson has voted just six times in the minority since she's been on the PUC. He also said more than 200 votes were unanimous. He called the vote "petty revenge."

The vote also comes three days after a partisan fight over cuts to Senate staff has escalated.

Gov. Dayton holds a news conference on health care this morning. He's also scheduled to have breakfast with GOP leadership.

The Star Tribune says the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter is in turmoil because six psychiatrists have left.

The Pi Press say Republicans in the Legislature have left the planning for the state's health insurance exchange to Gov. Dayton.

It looks like the highly touted Sunset Commission will protect most of the boards, commissions and governmental units that it reviewed.

MPR says the state has added wind farms but has slipped in the national ranking.

A Star Tribune editorial criticizes the Legislature for holding a retreat at the U of M but locking the public out of the discussions.

MinnPost reports that DFL Rep. Mindy Greiling cites Gov. Dayton's refusal to give her caucus a seat at the table as one of the reasons she's retiring.

Amendment to ban same-sex marriage

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke at an event that was hosted by supporters of the amendment.

A group fighting the marriage amendment raised $1.2 million in 2011.

Vikings Stadium

The Vikings are considering a fourth stadium site in Minneapolis.

Congress

President Obama will host a Google "hang out" today.

The Star Tribune says no one beats the beet lobby in Congress.

The members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are watching the transportation bill closely.

Bemidji will continue to get air service.

The Star Tribune also says bankuptcy trustees from the Tom Petters case are directing their focus towards politicians and political parties who received contributions from Petters.

Polling

Public Policy Polling says Gov. Dayton is getting high marks. State lawmakers don't fare so well.

Grover

Grover Norquist, the leader of Americans for Tax Reform, will speak at the White Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce in February.

Race for President

Rick Santorum will campaign in Luverne, MN today.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Mitt Romney well ahead of his rivals in Florida.

AP says Romney would rank among the richest presidents ever.

Newt Gingrich says he's staying in the race until the convention.

Herman Cain backed Gingrich.

The Washington Post says Ron Paul signed off on some of the racist newsletters that were issued in the 1990s.

Robert Gibbs is back on the Obama payroll.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Constitutional Amendmantapolooza, Dayton's State of the State, Florida looms)

Posted at 9:30 PM on January 26, 2012 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR says supporters of a measure that would allow union membership and union dues to be voluntary are praising a new report. The group is hoping to put the question to the voters in the form of a constitutional amendment.

GOP lawmakers introduced a constitutional amendment that would require people to show photo identification to vote.

The key question is how many of the constitutional amendment proposals will reach the ballot. There have been roughly 25 proposed in the House alone.

Gov. Dayton will deliver the State of the State address at 7pm on Feb. 15.

MPR says Dayton is pushing for transportation projects this session.

A bill that would allow prosecutors to carry firearms was approved by a House Committee.

A Minnesota House panel hears testimony over a wolf hunt. The hearing comes after the DNR has officially taken over wolf management.

A plan in the Legislature would divert money from school districts to charter schools.

A study linking PFCs to impaired immunity in kids draws the attention of the Minnesota Health Department.

The cost of the state government shutdown is still climbing.

Vikings Stadium

The Minneapolis City Council gives Mayor Rybak's stadium plan a chilly reception.

The Pi Press says stadium bill will likely include money from electronic pull-tabs.

The NFL could also block the Vikings stay at TCF stadium.

Congress

The Pentagon is scheduled to make budget cuts next year which would limit raises and close bases.

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on an insider trading bill next week.

Al Franken records a web video supporting marriage equality.

Franken has joined conservatives to change controversial detainee language.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen says Congress will take up a bill that will repeal the medical device tax.

DFL:Rep. Keith Ellison will co-sponsor legislation capping Stafford loan rates.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann has been named as a witness in a lawsuit in Tennessee.

Race for Legislature

GOP Sen. Gen Olson confirms that she'll retire.

Race for U.S. Senate

The National Journal released a list of the top U.S. Senate races to watch. Minnesota's Senate race doesn't even crack the Top 20.

Race for President

A Public Policy Polling poll says President Obama leads Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich in Minnesota.

President Obama pushed a clean energy theme in Nevada.

The GOP candidates debated in Florida. Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney sparred over immigration, consulting and the moon.

Rick Santorum hammered Mitt Romney on health care.

Politico says Newt pulled some punches.

Mitt Romney's tax returns have funds that were not identified in his ethics form.

His campaign says he will now amend his disclosure forms.

Newt Gingrich reveals his income but not how he earned it.

Drudge and the conservative media are orchestrating Gingrich.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen endorsed Mitt Romney for president.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on January 26, 2012 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Rep. Michele Bachmann says she'll run again, House Republicans want a modest bonding bill, and there's little movement on the Vikings stadium.

Around Minnesota

State House Republicans say they're looking at a smaller bonding bill than the one Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed.

Washington County Commissioner and former Michele Bachmann campaign manager Bill Pulkrabek didn't plead guilty to charges that he assaulted his girlfriend last year - only that there is enough evidence to convince a jury he did, Stillwater Patch reports.

Allen Quist, who is running to unseat Rep. Tim Walz in the 1st Congressional District, received more than $500,000 in farm subsidies between 1995 and 2010.

State officials are quietly seeking a waiver from federal Medicaid rules, Politics in Minnesota reports.

The Star Tribune reports that the St. Paul City Council approved a resolution opposing an amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

The Minneapolis City Council will vote Friday on its fifth fire chief in eight years.

In Minnesota, wages are a sticking point for manufacturers hiring skilled workers, MPR reports.

DFL Chair Ken Martin will be in southern Minnesota talking jobs.

The Vikings Stadium

After a three-hour meeting Wednesday, there are still no answers on where the stadium will be built.

While the team said yesterday they were open to the Metrodome site, it appears the Ramsey County site is still in the mix.

In Washington

The Federal Reserve says it won't raise interest rates any time soon.

House Republicans will offer a new health care bill.

During his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama said he wanted to increase the age at which students can drop out of high school. The mention pleased some Minnesotans who are pushing the issue here.

Rep. Chip Cravaack writes in the Duluth News Tribune that environmentally sound mining is important to Minnesota's economy.

Sen. Al Franken is among a bipartisan group of lawmakers who want to change detainee language Obama signed last month, the Hill reports.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann says she'll run again in the 6th Congressional District.

Newt Gingrich is leading in Minnesota, according to a new Public Policy Polling survey.

A separate poll indicates Gingrich's popularity in Florida may have hit a plateau.

Nancy Pelosi is hinting that Gingrich has secrets, the Associated Press reports.

Unions and a super PAC aligned with President Barack Obama are underwriting television ads in Florida attacking Mitt Romney.

Romney's release of his tax returns has made him the unwanted poster child for lobbyists defending tax breaks, Politico writes.

Remember the "self-deportation" plan Romney talked about in Monday night's debate? Gingrich is criticizing the idea in Florida as he talks to the state's Hispanic voters, writes the Washington Post.

The Daily Digest (POTUS hits reelection themes, Bumpy start to session, Dome sweet Home for Vikes?)

Posted at 6:44 AM on January 25, 2012 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

President Obama used his State of the Union address to tell Congress and the American people that fast action is needed to ensure the American dream remains. The speech touched on several themes that you'll hear throughout the 2012 election.

President Obama also targeted Congress for failing to act on important issues.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels delivered the GOP response. He blamed the problems in the economy on Mr. Obama.

The Washington Post says other Republican criticism varies in tone.

Several Minnesota lawmakers reacted to the State of the Union. MPR and KARE have looks.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared on Fox News to react to the State of the Union. She said she's in regular contact with the GOP candidates for president but said she's not ready to endorse anyone.

Under the Dome

The 2012 Legislative session began with everyone emphasizing common goals. Those pledges lasted roughly an hour in the Minnesota Senate. A partisan fight broke out after Senate Republicans voted on an internal Senate budget that cut 12-14 staff from the DFL minority. No Republican staff will lose their jobs.

Dayton's speech at the MN Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner was less confrontrational than last year's. He cracked several jokes and urged cooperation to build a better business climate.

The Legislature won't be in session today. Lawmakers will be attending the One Minnesota event at the U of M.

Vikings Stadium

Gov. Dayton meets with Vikings ownership today to discuss the stadium. On Tuesday, he said the only viable option this session is to pass a stadium plan that rebuilds on the Metrodome site. He said he wants the Legislature to hold an up or down vote on the stadium this session.

Vikings owner Mark Wilf and GOP leaders won't commit support for the Metrodome site.

Charley Walters with the Pi Press says Zygi Wilf has reluctantly accepted the Metrodome site.

Minnesota Polling

A Public Policy Polling survey of Minnesota finds that DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar has high approval ratings and has a clear lead over her GOP opponents.

Tidbit: One theme Republicans intend to hammer Klobuchar over is the Senate's failure to pass a budget. It's been more than 1,000 days since the Senate took such action.

The poll also found that Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty have upside down approval ratings in their home state.

Here's the full poll.

Race for President

Mitt Romney released his last two sets of tax returns and it finds that he makes more than $20 million a year. His tax rate is also less than 15 percent paid by most middle class Americans.

Romney's surrogates say Newt Gingrich has to come clean on his lobbyist record.

A Super PAC backing Gingrich hammers Romney in a new ad. The group bought $6 million in ads in Florida.

Ron Paul's Super PAC hits Gingrich in a new ad.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on January 24, 2012 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where it's the first day of the 2012 legislative session. MPR has a look at what to expect.

Around Minnesota

Sen. Amy Koch spoke with MPR Monday, saying, "I'm going to pick myself up and move forward."

The DFL is filing a complaint over MN GOP payments to Sen. Dave Thompson for media consulting.

Local leaders are asking the state for more flexibility in how they deliver services.

Proponents of same-sex marriage view a Hennepin County court ruling as "a big win."

The Anoka-Hennepin school district has a new proposal on how teachers should handle contentious subjects, including sexual orientation.

The Vikings Stadium

Gov. Mark Dayton told the Vikings that if they want a stadium in 2012, it's got to be the Metrodome site.

The news comes after negotiators expressed concerns about the Linden Ave. site.

In Washington

President Barack Obama will deliver his State of the Union address tonight. CBS reports that promises from his previous speeches remain unfulfilled.

Programming note: MPR will be broadcasting the speech live.

The St. Croix bridge bill passed the Senate.

Rep. Keith Ellison wrote an opinion piece about Citizens United.

Sen. Al Franken defended his support for PIPA/SOPA, MPR reports.

The Supreme Court ruled that the police must get a warrant before using GPS to track a suspect, the Washington Post reports.

The Money Race

Rep. Tim Walz raised $1 million in 2011.

On the Campaign Trail

The candidates debated in Tampa, Florida, Monday night.

Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich clashed. Romney called Gingrich an "influence peddler" for his consulting working.

The Associated Press writes that Gingrich got his history wrong in the debate.

Mitt Romney is hinting at an October surprise if Newt Gingrich is the nominee, the New York Times reports.

The Florida primary will force the GOP candidates to talk about the struggling housing market.

Romney has hired Brett O'Donnell, Rep. Michele Bachmann's former campaign speech coach.

Tim Pawlenty has become Mitt Romney's attack dog, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank writes.

Romney released his tax returns.

Romney is airing an ad in Florida that links Gingrich to the housing collapse, the New York Times reports.

A pro-Gingrich super PAC called Winning Our Future has received an additional $5 million, which may help counter the Romney ads in Florida.

Gingrich has released his 2006 contract with Freddie Mac. Between 1999 and 2008, Gingrich made at least $1.6 million from the consulting gig, the Washington Post reports.

ICYMI

MPR welcomes a new show: The Daily Circuit will feature Kerri Miller and Tom Weber from 9 a.m. to noon daily. Read more about it here.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Major hiccups for Central Corridor construction, Session starts Tuesday, Bachmann surfaces in MN, Koch speaks)

Posted at 11:48 PM on January 22, 2012 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR News has an investigation into the Central Corridor project and finds that "the first year of major construction on a future light-rail line in St. Paul suffered from communication lapses, haphazard planning, and inattention to community concerns -- and that's according to the government agency that manages the project." The findings were a result of an open records request of the agency.

Under the Dome

Session starts on Tuesday.

There are plenty of session previews lined up. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press and Forum Communications have looks.

A key issue this session will be the expansion of gambling. The Star Tribune says slots have been getting little or no review by state regulators.

AP says voters could see a raft of constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Former GOP Sen. Majority Leader Amy Koch is starting to do interviews. WCCO and the Star Tribune scored the first interviews. Koch shows no signs of stepping down and signals that she may even run for reelection. Koch originally scheduled interviews with other news outlets for Tuesday but rescheduled them for today.

One key question this session is whether Republican lawmakers continue to oppose the creation of a health insurance exchange even though some big groups like the MCCL and the Chamber of Commerce support it.

Health plans have launched their own exchanges ahead of the public version.

Vikings Stadium

It looks like Ramsey County is down for the count.

Party Politics

GOP Chair Pat Shortridge says party leaders have agreed to create stronger oversight of the party's budget. There are also plans to review some of the party's spending.

Democrats will hold a newser today to criticize the MNGOP for hiring lawmakers and candidates. The presser comes as a result of MPR's look into the MNGOP finances.

St. Cloud will host this year's GOP state convention.

Wisconsin

Hundreds rallied for Gov. Walker.

Congress

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-AZ, will resign from Congress this week.

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said people who are troubled by the political ads that were fueled by the Citizens United ruling should just turn off their TVs.

MPR says DFL Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken are in a tough spot on the internet privacy bill known as SOPA.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan praised Minnesota's efforts and improvements with K12 schools.

House Republicans are seeking unity heading into the election.

Klobuchar and GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack returned some of their unused expense allowances.

Klobuchar does an interview with Elle Magazine.

Klobuchar invited a community college president to the State of the Union.

Kurdish refugees want visas for relatives and friends who helped the U.S. military.

Race for U.S. Senate

It appears that the GOP candidates for U.S. Senate are working on agreeing to a set of debates. Anthony Hernandez and Joe Arwood have both agreed to meet in a series of debates. No word yet on whether Dan Severson supports the idea. The eventual nominee will face DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November.

Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann made her first public appearance in Minnesota since she dropped her bid for the White House. Bachmann wouldn't say whether she's running for reelection.

GOP Rep. John Kline is giving money to the GOP candidate in an Oregon special election.

Race for President

The Republican race heads to Florida after Newt Gingrich's surprise victory in South Carolina.

Gingrich's comeback is vindication.

Mitt Romney will release some of his tax returns.

He is also ramping up his criticism of Gingrich.

Romney's offshore accounts amount to $32 million.

NPR says the race to the right could present problems in the general election.

President Obama will kick off his reelection campaign with Tuesday's State of the Union.

Ron Paul plans to make a significant ad buy in Minnesota.

KARE11 says Minnesota's February caucuses could play a fact in the race.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he would consider being Romney's running mate.

The Daily Digest (A detailed look at GOP finances, GOP pushes changes in government, South Carolina primary looms)

Posted at 11:22 PM on January 19, 2012 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR News did an in-depth review of the Republican Party of Minnesota's finances and found former Chair Tony Sutton's spending on GOP insiders is one of the reasons the party is $2 million in debt. Some of the spending includes:

-More than $1 million in payments to Trimble and Associates since 2008. Tony Trimble, who oversaw the 2008 U.S. Senate recount and the 2010 gubernatorial recount, said he only did the work party leaders requested and defended the "discounted rate" he billed the MNGOP. But Republican National Committeewoman Pat Anderson says she's shocked by the size of the legal bills and said Trimble will no longer work for the party.

-A $14,000 bonus to the party's executive director, Ryan Griffin, in July, 2010.

-$10,000 went to a researcher to study the efficacy of medical marijuana in September of 2010 (The heat of the 2010 race).

-$221,000 went to a Minneapolis-based public relations firm to rebrand the party. One of the people who worked on the contract was briefly hired to be the party's communications director when Sutton was first elected chair.

-$5,000 was directed to a private investigator to study whether any election fraud occurred in 2010.

-$70,000 to GOP state Sen. David Thompson to do media consulting for the party.

Sutton told MPR News he should have curtailed spending when the fundraising was keeping pace. He said a big problem was the elimination of the Political Contribution Refund in 2009. A look at state campaign finance reports show that small donor giving dropped off dramatically since then.

Tidbit: The 14-member executive committee met late last night to discuss the party's finances. It was the first meeting since political consultant Pat Shortridge took over as party chair. Party leaders say they agreed to do an internal review of some of the party's expenses as they try to dissect what happened over the past two and a half years.

Republican National Committeewoman Pat Anderson tweeted that Bron Scherer has been appointed secretary-treasurer of the party.

Under the Dome

House and Senate Republicans released their vision to change how state government is run. The so-called Reform 2.0 includes several GOP policies that have been pushed in the past but also includes a few new ideas like a plan would allow for the conversion of failing public schools to charter schools and allow the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul to take control of struggling schools in their cities. Here's a list of their suggestions.

MinnPost says Republicans were skittish on the stadium and Amy Koch's affair.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem says he doesn't plan to file an ethics complaint on the Koch matter.

Lawmakers held a hearing on state worker payouts.

Minnesota state government was unable to take calls on Thursday for three hours.

Gov. Dayton appeared on Midday on Thursday. It was host Gary Eichten's last call-in broadcast. Dayton announced on the show that today will be proclaimed "Gary Eichten Day in Minnesota." Listen to the program here.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is suing Chicago-based Accretive Health, alleging that it failed to protect patient health care records and failed to disclose to patients how their records are used.

The child care union vote now faces a federal lawsuit.

The House swore in DFLer Susan Allen on Thursday. Senator-elect Kari Dziedzic's swearing-in ceremony will be held today.

The DNR announced a wolf management plan.

Economy

Minnesota's jobless rate improved to 5.7 percent in December. The biggest employment gains came in the professional and business services sector.

Financing for Essar Steel is in place.

Vikings Stadium

Stadium supporters are hoping for resolution this session.

Dayton says the Vikings would have to pay $450 million for the Basilica site.

The stadium focus is now before a divided Minneapolis City Council.

The Pi Press says Ramsey County needs a Hail Mary to get the stadium built there.

Congress

Suicides by active-duty soldiers hit an all-time high.

Google says 7 million people have signed a petition opposing SOPA.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar campaigned in Bemidji earlier this week.

DFL Sen. Al Franken discussed the economy and energy issues during a speech in Duluth.

GOP Rep. John Kline will hold a town hall meeting in Shakopee on Jan. 30.

Race for Congress

The DCCC announced what Minnesotans have known for quite some time: GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack (MN-8) will be a targeted candidate in 2012.

Race for President

A fiery debate ended a bizarre campaign day in South Carolina.

Rick Perry dropped out of the race and then backed Newt Gingrich.

Gingrich's ex-wife told ABC News that Gingrich wanted an "open marriage."

Gingrich attacked the media as he defended himself.

Gingrich paid $994,000 in taxes in 2010.

It looks like Rick Santorum, not Mitt Romney, won Iowa's caucuses.

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty is now lowering expectations for Romney in South Carolina.

Pawlenty also played the bad cop (to Romney's good cop) by saying Gingrich's infidelities concern him.

Eichten

MPR's Gary Eichten is retiring today after 45 years of services at the radio station. I'm honored to have worked with him covering political issues across Minnesota. I'll miss his laugh in the newsroom, his modesty and the standards he sets for us. I'm happy to call him my friend.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:45 AM on January 19, 2012 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where House lawmakers want federal officials to block Minnesota's plan to opt-out of NCLB, Dayton won't endorse a stadium proposal, and Romney is holding millions in off-shore accounts.

Around Minnesota

Rep. Mindy Greiling will not run for office again.

Gov. Mark Dayton declined to endorse a specific Vikings stadium plan.

A new report shows that the Metrodome may be the best deal for taxpayers.

Dayton also announced a new program meant to help businesses expand or open in Minnesota.

House education leaders are asking federal officials to reject the state's plan to opt-out of No Child Left Behind.

The Anoka-Hennepin school district scraps its controversial topics proposal.

The 8th District Congressional race will be a hard-fought battle, MPR reports.

MinnPost reports conflicting versions of Steve Sviggum's decision to take a job with the Senate GOP caucus.

State House and Senate leaders talked about the coming legislative session on Midday.

In Washington

President Barack Obama will not approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Web protests have eroded Congressional support the antipiracy laws, the New York Times reports.

The Minnesota delegation responds to internet piracy laws.

On the Campaign Trail

Expect to hear more about this in the coming weeks: ABC News reports that Mitt Romney is keeping millions in an off-shore bank account.

New Jersey governor and Mitt Romney ally Chris Christie is telling the former Massachusetts governor to make public his tax return.

The timing of its release could be a good thing for Romney, the New York Times reports.

Romney is dodging questions about his taxes.

Newt Gingrich says his effective tax rate is 31 percent.

A new poll shows President Barack Obama is vulnerable with swing voters.

Though it now appears that Rick Santorum actually had more votes in the Iowa caucuses, the nominating contest will have no official winner.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Dayton releases bonding bill. Another conflict of interest for Sviggum? Big day for stadium?)

Posted at 6:16 AM on January 18, 2012 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton released a $775 million bonding bill. He argues that it will create thousands of jobs. Republicans criticized the plan but appear to be moving closer to their own bill.

DFL Sen. Keith Langseth says Dayton didn't include enough money for flood protection in his proposal.

The St. Paul Saints are renewing their push for a new stadium.

The proposal would build a water pipeline for the Lutsen ski resort.

A new program to protect water quality lacks details.

GOP Legislative leaders will be on MPR's Midday today at 11.

Tidbit: House Republicans will release their so-called Reform 2.0 proposal on Thursday.

The University of Minnesota's Board of Regents will review whether Regent Steve Sviggum has a conflict of interest by accepting a job as spokesman for the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.

Politics in Minnesota says DFLers in the House and Senate are working to block a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

Vikings Stadium

Get ready for another day of Vikings stadium talks.

Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission Chair Ted Mondale says they are not cooking the stadium books.

Wisconsin

It appears that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will face a recall election. Roughly 1 million signatures have been collected and submitted.

Congress

CNN says election year politics will be in Congress' path this year.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested at Occupy Congress protests.

Some of your favorite websites may be shutting down today to protest SOPA. Here's a good explainer of what the proposal would do.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is doing an economic tour of the Iron Range.

Race for Congress

The labor unions are targeting GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack in radio ads.

Nancy Pelosi says she hopes Democrats can snag 35 seats in November.

Race for President

BuzzFeed got its hands on John McCain's 2008 opposition research book on Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney says he's probably taxed at 15 percent - much lower than what most Americans are taxed at.

Politico says Romney has a toxic tax problem.

Romney continues to hold a double digit lead in South Carolina.

President Obama will accept the Democratic nomination in Charlotte's 74,000 seat football stadium.

Sarah Palin said she'd vote for Newt Gingrich if she lived in South Carolina.

Gingrich calls Romney's time at Bain Capital as "exploitive."

Rick Santorum is defending himself by attacking his critics.

Rick Perry is defending his criticism of Turkey.

The Washington Post says GOP rivals reap the benefits of Super PACs.

Comment on this post

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.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Huntsman out, Norm's Super PAC and Archbishop works to silence dissenting priests)

Posted at 7:30 AM on January 16, 2012 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Star Tribune is reporting that the Archbishop is warning clergy that there should be no "open dissent" to the same sex marriage issue.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chair of Carlson Companies, wrote an op-ed urging Minnesota's to vote against the amendment.

Some activists in the Asian community are working against the amendment.

Under the Dome

Gov. Dayton will release his bonding bill proposal tomorrow.

A citizen lobbyist wants the Legislature to be more open.

The Star Tribune says the state's Native American tribes are ramping up to defeat any measure that expands gambling in Minnesota.

The Minnesota DNR is seeking higher fishing license and hunting license fees.

DFL Sen. Gary Kubly is battling ALS as he enters his last year in the Legislature.

GOP Sen. Mike Parry told a group of locally elected officials that he doen't see a constitutional amendment that would require a super majority of the Legislature to enact a tax increase into law "happening."

The Star Tribune quotes GOP Speaker Kurt Zellers as saying the amendment is "important to me."

Vikings Stadium

The Pi Press says the issue is now up to state lawmakers.

Congress

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack visited Park Rapids last week.

Race for Congress

MPR says Norm Coleman's Super PAC could influence the races for Congress.

Race for President

Jon Huntsman will quit the race today and will back Mitt Romney.

Evangelical Christians rally around Rick Santorum's candidacy.

The New York Times says Evangelical Christians' unease with Romney is theological.

AP does a fact check on the King of Bain movie and finds it is presenting suspect information.

Rick Perry defends the marines who are accused or urintating on Afghan corpses.

Pawlenty on Penn State

Tim Pawlenty sent a note to PA Gov. Tom Corbett that recommended the law firm, Robins, Caplan, Miller and Ciresi during the Penn State scandal.

Final note

It's Midday host Gary Eichten's final week before he retires at MPR. The Pi Press does a good job profiling him.

The Daily Digest (Dayton mulling stadium options, Klobuchar looks at drug shortages, Transportation study pushed)

Posted at 6:25 AM on January 13, 2012 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Vikings stadium is front and center at the Capitol. Gov. Dayton is now mulling the bids that were put forward yesterday. Here's the Minneapolis bid. Here's the Ramsey County bid.

Gov. Dayton says he may endorse a stadium site.

The Star Tribune says the state is not rushing to act on the stadium issue.

Under the Dome

Democrats are pointing to a study that shows that local property taxes are rising fast.

Gov. Dayton wants a transportation finance study.

Lawmakers are being urged to create stiffer penalties to caregivers who intentionally neglect the elderly and other vulnerable adults.

Some officials are pushing for more courtroom security.

More of Minnesota's lakes and rivers have been added to the impaired list.

Democrats petition the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the federal health care law.

Congress

The U.S. is sending Iran a warning to not follow up on threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. identified two of four marines that are in a video that shows them urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban soldiers.

President Obama is formally seeking an increase to the federal debt ceiling.

Obama is also seeking the power to merge and streamline government agencies.

AP has a look at documents that show how the Federal Reserve missed the housing bust in 2006.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is challenging pharmaceutical companies over drug shortages.

DFL Sen. Al Franken was on MPR's Midday. Listen to the show here.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack is working to win labor over in his northeast Minnesota district.

Race for President

President Obama and the DNC raised $68 million in the final three months of 2011.

Mitt Romney is stepping up his defense of his business record. He is now running an ad defending his time at Bain Capital.

Politico says profits, not job creation, are job number one for firms like Bain.

The fractured right could boost Romney in South Carolina.

For example, NPR says Evangelical leaders are struggling to crown a candidate.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:28 AM on January 12, 2012 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest where it's deadline day for the Vikings stadium proposals, Minnesota's housing market is looking up, and Romney is readying for more attacks in South Carolina.

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton pitched his job proposal.

Proposals for the Vikings stadium are due today. Ramsey County says it is still working on a proposal.

Shakopee made a last minute bid.

Dayton says he's open to the Shakopee plan.

MPR has an FAQ on the stadium.

A government watchdog group filed a FEC complaint against the Minnesota GOP.

An advisory panel sent a Capitol renovation proposal to the Legislature.

The state's real estate market has improved, but isn't roaring back to life.

There were fewer foreclosures here last year.

Rep. Tim Walz was in his district talking energy and government spending, the Post-Bulletin writes.

Rep. Keith Ellison was named one of the nation's top 20 progressives by the New Statesman.

On the Campaign Trail

All eyes are now on South Carolina, where the next primary takes place on Jan. 21.

Unlike Iowa and New Hampshire, South Carolina has been severely hit by the recession, the New York Times reports.

Frontrunner Mitt Romney's rivals are going after him, and that's good news for Democrats.

Romney has a lot of cash going into South Carolina, but he says it will be an uphill battle there nevertheless.

Here's a look at the 30-minute video a pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC has put online. Parts of it will air as ads in South Carolina.

Herman Cain will not endorse any of the candidates.

Tim Pawlenty says that Romney's rivals are the junior varsity team.

Another well-known conservative may announce they're running for president, Politico reports.

What We're Looking Forward To This Weekend

...is this.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Shakopee joins Vikings stadium drive, Romney wins NH, Dems roll in special elections)

Posted at 6:29 AM on January 11, 2012 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Shakopee's mayor is going to make a push to get a new Vikings stadium built in his city. A news conference is scheduled for this afternoon. The Shakopee Patch reports GOP Sen. Claire Robling and GOP Rep. Mike Beard will also attend the newser. Both have been pushing for Racino to be passed into law.

The Minnesota Vikings bring the Metrodome site into the mix but with a demand for extra costs.

KARE11 says the Vikings letter caught the University of Minnesota by surprise.

Fox9 says the Basilica and other businesses bristle at the Linden Ave. proposed site.

WCCO takes a look at when the Vikings can notify the NFL of a departure.

Under the Dome

Gov. Dayton will release his jobs plan today.

Budget officials say the state's economy is beating forecast.

The Star Tribune reports that drugs were being dealt in a Fergus Falls drug treatment facility.

KSTP says Gop Rep. Steve Smith is facing questions as to whether he had an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Smith denies it.

The Dayton Administration is also pushing for increased access to Food Stamps.

Emergency health care recipients have been cut off this week.

A Senate committee will examine MnSCU payouts.

3M won a minor legal victory in its legal battle with the state of Minnesota.

3M says the Met Council polluted too.

Problem properties present a balancing act for cities.

GOP Sen. John Pederson calls for simpler vending rules. He made the comments after a local vendor failed to win a contract with the Department of Corrections.

Race for President

Mitt Romney won New Hampshire. Ron Paul got second. Jon Huntsman got third.

Conservative activists are now looking at South Carolina as the last best hope to defeat Romney.

Romney's campaign continues to work to ease concerns about Romney's work at Bain Capital.

Rick Perry characterizes Romney as a greedy Wall St. "vulture."

Ron Paul says he's nibbling at Romney's heels.

Race for Legislature

Democrats won big in two special legislative elections in Minneapolis.

Race for Congress

DFL state Rep. Ryan Winkler and other young professionals will hold a Thursday fundraiser for Democrat Rick Nolan. Nolan is running is aiming to challenge GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack.

Democrats are needling Cravaack on who he backed in the New Hampshire primary. Cravaack's family relocated to New Hampshire last year.

Congress

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is in Bangladesh. She recently met with the prime minister.

GOP Rep. John Kline is in Brazil with House Speaker John Boehner.

The Stillwater Bridge is still high on GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's agenda.

Finally

The U.S. Constitution will be on display at the Minnesota History Center from April 3 through July 4th.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:01 AM on January 10, 2012 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the state's campaign finance board is investigating the MN GOP, Obama's chief of staff resigns, and it's GOP presidential primary day in New Hampshire.

Around Minnesota

The state Campaign Finance Board will investigate the Minnesota GOP after the party revealed it is in a financial bind.

The metro's plow budgets are benefiting from a winter no-show.

Meanwhile, businesses are struggling.

There are elections today for state House and Senate seats.

Sen. John Marty is challenging Ted Mondale's numbers on the cost of the Vikings stadium.

Gov. Mark Dayton says the Arden Hills stadium site is not out of the question.

Minnesota affordable housing groups are getting a boost.

In Washington

The USDA will be shuttering facilities to save cash.

The White House's chief of staff is stepping down.

The Associated Press profiles his replacement.

The White House is also dealing with fallout from a new book.

The U.S. isn't spending as much on health care.

On the Campaign Trail

It's primary day in New Hampshire. Mitt Romney is on track to win.

Politico wonders where the Tea Party is in the Granite State.

Obama says the GOP candidates are just like congressional Republicans opposing his policies.

Romney's rivals didn't much like it when he said that he likes being able to fire people.

Newt Gingrich is going negative.

It's a super PAC battle in South Carolina and in Florida.

A pro-Gingrich super PAC has been given a last minute injection of cash to run ads against Romney criticizing his past as chief of Bain Capital.

The Wall Street Journal examines Romney's career as Bain chief.

As he attacks Romney's record at Bain, Gingrich has a past in the investment world as well.

Here's a video of Tim Pawlenty defending Romney's record.

The Daily Digest (New Hampshire primary looms, Dayton holds American Indian K12 Summit, Vikings stadium)

Posted at 6:25 AM on January 9, 2012 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

It's one day before the New Hampshire Primary and folks are already focusing on South Carolina. The reason is because Romney is all but certain to win New Hampshire.

CNN reports that several candidates plan to rely on South Carolina to stop Mitt Romney's march to the nomination.

New York Times columnist Paul Krugman rips Mitt Romney's claim that he created 100,000 jobs.

Romney countered the media narrative by saying he knows what it is like to fear a pink slip.

Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney tangled in a debate on Sunday.

Tim Pawlenty campaigned for Romney over the weekend.

The National Journal says there's little talk about the federal health care law now that Michele Bachmann is out of the race.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison, head of the Progressive Caucus, says Democrats have to be 100 percent behind President Obama.

Under the Dome

Gov. Dayton will chair the Governor's American Indian Education Summit today.

The Pi Press reports that Susan Thornton is back in as the top staffer of the LCCMR. Speaker Zellers fired Thornton a few weeks ago.

MPR says the Minnesota Senate's budget could force significant layoffs.

A sex offender, who is currently being treated in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, is asking to be released.

The Minnesota Supreme Court could weigh in on whether more sex abuse cases go to trial.

More Minnesota students are earning college credit in high school.

Vikings Stadium

The Star Tribune says the Vikings have been told that the Arden Hills site is not workable.

Gov. Dayton wants the stadium plans by Thursday.

Congress

GOP Rep. John Kline released his draft bills to replace the federal No Child Left Behind law.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he hopes the worst of the partisan gridlock has passed.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-AZ, and Tuscon marked the one year anniversary of an attack that left several dead and severely injured Giffords.

The Red Lake Tribe got a grant from the EPA.

Party Politics

Minnesota's new GOP Chair tells the Star Tribune that he thinks ideas can trump the turmoil in the party.

Race for Legislature

There are special elections in two Minneapolis districts on Tuesday. Democrats Kari Dziedzic (SD 59 and Susan Allen (HD 61B) are heavy favorites.

Race for Congress

Republican Allen Quist will start campaigning in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. He's in Fairmont tonight.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on January 6, 2012 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Dayton sets a deadline for stadium proposals, the state's GOP is looking for fresh faces, and Obama announces his plans for a smaller military.

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton has set a deadline for Vikings stadium proposals.

Ramsey County is ready with its proposal.

He also set a date to release his bonding bill for the coming legislative session.

The state's Republicans are looking for new talent now that Rep. Michele Bachmann and Gov. Tim Pawlenty are no longer running for president.

The St. Cloud Times looks at how redistricting could affect Bachmann's reelection bid in the 6th district.

The Senate GOP caucus has made Kevin Matzek its chief of staff.

MPR reports that Duluth's mayor is threatening to close casino over a money spat.

In Washington

President Barack Obama unveiled his plans for a leaner military, the Associated Press reports.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is in Washington promoting summer jobs.

Politico writes that House Republicans are starting the new year divided.

On the Campaign Trail

Remember Bachmann's "crony capitalism" line? Mitt Romney is repeating it.

Romney has become the target of attacks, but he's going after Obama, the Associated Press reports.

The Washington Post picks apart Bachmann's failed campaign.

The Post also poses five key questions for the race.

In New Hampshire, Rick Santorum talked about his views on same-sex marriage.

NPR profiles Santorum. With the former senator is playing up his fiscal conservative creds, the story takes a close look at his record on government spending.

Graphic of the Day

Loving this look at what the candidates spent on advertising in Iowa.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:00 AM on January 5, 2012 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where we are tuckered out after a week-long marathon in Iowa.

We'll start with fall-out from Rep. Michele Bachmann's departure from the Republican presidential race.

There's no word on an endorsement from Bachmann or a decision on whether she'll run in the 6th again.

MPR looks at what's next for Bachmann.

Bachmann wouldn't have much trouble winning her seat again, Politico reports.

Voters in the 6th have mixed feelings about Bachmann.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry will stay in the race after all.

Sen. John McCain endorsed Mitt Romney in Iowa.

Politico reports that conservatives held an emergency meeting Wednesday. "Movement conservatives are concerned that a vote split between Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum among base voters could enable Mitt Romney to grab the GOP nomination."

The Washington Post reports that Romney will have trouble wooing evangelical voters.

The caucus votes underscore an ideological divide among Republicans, the New York Times reports.

Watch for Rick Santorum's record to be picked apart by his rivals.

Around Minnesota

Bloomingdale's at the MOA will close.

The DFL has hired a handful of staffers in the lead-up to the 2012 election.

Two watchdog groups say that the Republican Party of Minnesota should face fines.

Daniel Fanning, who was looking to run against Rep. Chip Cravaack in the 8th, has bowed out.

In Washington

Barack Obama named a consumer protection agency chief. Republicans are not pleased.

The Daily Digest (Tight Iowa finish, Bachmann stays in race, Vikings owner talks stadium)

Posted at 6:04 AM on January 4, 2012 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Mitt Romney won the Iowa caucuses by eight votes. Former PA Sen. Rick Santorum came in second. Ron Paul finished third. GOP Rep. Michele Bachman finished dead last among the candidates actively campaigning in the state.

The New York Times says the results showcase the divisions within the GOP.

The exit polls say Romney won over voters who were most concerned about defeating President Obama.

John McCain will endorse Mitt Romney in New Hampshire today.

Romney is also buying air time in South Carolina.

A reality check may be coming for Santorum.

Ron Paul said there's "nothing to be ashamed of" about finishing third.

Newt Gingrich is prepared to attack Romney in New Hamsphire calling him a "Massachusetts moderate managing decay."

Rick Perry is headed back to Texas to reassess his campaign (which pretty much means he's done Update: Perry is staying in the race).

Michele Bachmann didn't drop out.

Sarah Palin suggests Bachmann should call it quits.

The New York Times has a great graphic on how the candidates travel.

Under the Dome

GOP Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem appointed Julianne Ortman as his Deputy Majority Leader and Bill Ingebrigtsen as an Assistant Majority Leader.

GOP leaders in the Senate met privately today with Gov. Dayton.

Senate Republicans are also looking for a replacement for Michael Brodkorb.

MPR takes a look at GOP Rep. King Banaian's dilemma on the Vikings stadium: The Economics professor in him doubts the stadium. The politician says wait and see.

Vikings Stadium

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf says he's confident a stadium deal will be in the works shortly.

Wilf also met privately with GOP Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem.

Congress

GOP Rep. John Kline had a perfect voting record last year.

Middle East

The Taliban opened an office outside of Afghanistan - signaling a willingness to start a dialogue with the U.S. for the first time.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Iowa caucuses will thin GOP field, Bachmann makes final push, Political parties at a crossroads,

Posted at 6:14 AM on January 3, 2012 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Embed | Help

Copy and paste the HTML below to embed this audio onto your web page.

Audio player code:
<iframe title="minnesota_general_features_2012_01_03_iowacaucusmzdbf_20120103_64s_player" type="text/html" width="319" height="83" src="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/www_publicradio/tools/media_player/syndicate.php?name=minnesota/general/features/2012/01/03/iowacaucusmzdbf_20120103_64" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

sponsor:

The Iowa caucuses are today and the big question is whether Mitt Romney has the Republican nomination sewed up. Both CNN and Politico say he was exuding confidence on the eve of the caucuses.

Romney may not win today's caucuses but the results will start to thin the field of candidates.

The danger for the GOP, as Politico points out, is that there isn't real excitement about the GOP field.

Recent polling shows Romney, former PA Sen. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul all battling it out for first place.

The polling shows Santorum picking up steam in the final days before the caucuses.

Ron Paul says he doesn't see himself as being president.

Iowa Congressman Steve King decides not to endorse anyone - dealing a blow to Michele Bachmann's campaign.

MPR says Bachmann heads to her hometown of Waterloo today to mobilize support for her campaign.

Bachmann says she's pressing on to South Carolina.

Bachmann releases an ad called "Iron Lady."

Rick Perry says Bachmann is not viable in other states.

Newsweek takes a look at President Obama's organization.

The Washington Post says the RNC is planning to use President Obama's own words against him in the general election.

Romney is also using the tact but The Washington Monthly says he may be doing it by stretching the truth.

Party politics

MPR says the state's political parties are grappling with fundraising at a time when donors have more options.

Political consultant Pat Shortridge was elected MNGOP Chair over the weekend. He'll have the difficult task of keeping the party politically viable at a time when the MNGOP is facing $2 million in debt.

Former MNGOP Chair Bill Cooper has stepped back a bit from his political giving because he's "disgusted by politics."

Under the Dome

Newly elected Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem has to appoint his Deputy Majority Leader and another assistant majority leader today.

Forum Communications says Gov. Dayton and GOP leaders want to make 2012 the year of "reform."

The Star Tribune says a majority of schools and teachers are without union contracts.

The Met Council approved $1.2 million to help lure customers to businesses on the Central Corridor rail line.

Rest in Peace

Duluth's Michael Colalillo died on Friday. He was the last living Medal of Honor recipient in Minnesota.

The Daily Digest (Deal on payroll tax cut, Occupy protesters target Bachmann, Dayton recaps first year)

Posted at 6:50 AM on December 23, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Star Tribune reports this morning that the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter has been fined for abuse.

MPR interviewed Gov. Dayton about Amy Koch's inappropriate relationship, the prospects for a new Vikings stadium and his first year in office.

He told the Star Tribune that jobs are his top priority for 2012.

Dayton says he hopes to have a good working relationship with the next Senate Majority Leader.

AP says Republicans have been secretive about selecting a new leader. They meet on Tuesday to vote on the leadership position.

GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers is scheduled to speak at the U of M's Humphrey School on Jan. 19.

The city of Duluth and the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe are still at odds over a ruling on a casino payment.

The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have profiles of Michael Brodkorb, the former communications director to the Senate Republican Caucus.

MinnPost takes a look at the difficulty in reporting on the Koch scandal.

Wedding Bells

Gov. Dayton told MPR News that his son, Eric, is getting married next week to Cornelia Oehler in San Francisco. Dayton will be out of the state for most of the week.

Congress

House GOP leaders caved on their insistence that the payroll tax cut be extended by a year. House GOP leadership agreed that they would pass a temporary tax cut that was approved by the U.S. Senate last week.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann, who hasn't made many votes in the past five months, called the temporary payroll tax cut a "gimmick."

MPR has statements from the other members of Minnesota's delegation here.

AP says Americans are frustrated by congressional stalemates.

10,000 troops have left Afghanistan.

Unemployment applications are the lowest they have been since 2008.

A Minnesota organization is suing the FDA over its regulation of nanotechnology.

The Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad is fighting to keep its bolt-action rifles. The Army wants to upgrade them. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants to pass a ban on synthetic drugs.

MNGOP Chair

GOP consultant Pat Shortridge says he'll serve as MNGOP Chair through 2012 in a volunteer role.

Terry McCall also announced he's running for chair.

Race for President

AP says President Obama is benefiting from a Republican Party that can't seem to capitalize on its advantages.

Support for Ron Paul appears to be picking up.

Newt Gingrich is lowering expectations in Iowa.

Mitt Romney declines to debate Gingrich.

Romney says he has no current plans to release his tax returns.

Bachmann is not on the Virginia primary ballot.

Occupy hecklers drowned out Bachmann at an Iowa diner.

Finally

The Digest is taking a break through the rest of the Holidays. We'll continue to post to the blog but we just won't be getting up so early to do it.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy Holidays.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on December 22, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where...well...there's a lot going on.

Let's start with the latest on Sen. Amy Koch.

MPR reports that Sen. Geoff Michel knew in September that Koch was having an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. That contradicts his statement last week that complaints about the relationship came up a few weeks ago.

We've also learned that Koch's former chief of staff, Cullen Sheehan, was the first person to confront Koch and the staffer about the relationship, as well as bring it to Michel's attention.

After being contacted by MPR for comment on the story, Koch issued a statement acknowledging the relationship and apologizing for it.

MPR also looks at the challenges facing the new Republican party leader and the new Senate Majority Leader.

Sen. Dave Thompson won't run for Majority Leader.

In Other Minnesota News

Though the St. Croix bridge may be on the backburner in Washington, it's still an important topic in Minnesota.

Duluth's new public schools superintendent does not have a state license.

MPR reports that an anti-abortion group wants legislators to get involved in planning a Minnesota health insurance exchange.

The farming economy is doing well, MPR reports.

Republican Party 2nd District Chair Terry McCall will run for Minnesota Republican Party chair.

In Washington

MPR profiles Rep. Betty McCollum and her role in the St. Croix bridge debate.

A bipartisan group of House members from Minnesota and Wisconsin are asking the House leadership to vote on authorization the new St. Croix bridge.

The debate over the payroll tax cut could hurt Republicans, writes the Washington Post.

Despite criticism from within their party, Republican freshman lawmakers are pushing back hard on the payroll tax cut extension.

The NRCC is blaming Rep. Collin Peterson and other Democrats for creating the payroll tax cut gridlock.

The Star Tribune takes a look at the payroll tax debate as well.

On the Campaign Trail

Weeks before the Iowa caucuses, Ron Paul is doing well in polls. His Real Clear Politics average is 23.8 percent, which puts him first in Iowa. There's a lot of buzz about what a Paul win there would mean for the relevancy of Iowa's first-in-the-nation status.

Rep. Michele Bachmann is confident about beating Mitt Romney, Politico reports.

She and Rick Santorum have similar platforms, but different styles, reports ABC News.

In the Huffington Post, Tom Wilson with the Centre for Transatlantic Affairs writes that Bachmann's critics aren't giving her enough credit.

Bachmann's supporters think she's great, but worry she can't win the general election, Politico reports.

While Washington is mired in a debate over the payroll tax, the GOP presidential candidates are are treading carefully on the topic.

Super PACs are the "bad cops" of the 2012 election, Politico writes.

The Daily Digest (Majority Leader election scheduled, More details on Brodkorb's firing, Impasse in Congress)

Posted at 6:40 AM on December 21, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Republicans in the Minnesota Senate will pick a new majority leader on Dec. 27.

MPR News has a few more details on Michael Brodkorb's firing.

AP does a national takeout on the Koch matter.

Dayton declined to address Koch's situation to WCCO. He did, however, criticize Republicans for making a "sanctity of marriage argument."

Today's Senate Rules Committee hearing was canceled. It was meant to address the Senate budget.

Under the Dome

MPR says the director of the LCCMR has been fired by the Legislature, sparking anger from the members who are on the environmental review board. Several board members say the board, not the Legislature, can fire the person.

The Star Tribune takes a look at the disagreement over how integration aid should be used in schools.

Minnesota continues to put together a plan that aims to reduce the spread of Asian carp.

KSTP says GOP state Sen. Mike Parry wants MnSCU should reform contracts to capitol payouts.

Vikings Stadium

Fox 9 says Gov. Dayton has set a new deadline to see the best offers on the stadium front.

Ramsey County approved a search for stadium architects.

Congress

House Republicans are exchanging barbs with the White House and the Senate over the payroll tax cut extension. They declined to pass the Senate version of the bill on Tuesday.

The payroll tax dispute caused a split between House and Senate Republicans.

Minnesota's U.S. House members are bemoaning the payroll tax standoff.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann missed the vote because she's campaigning for president.

The Wall St. Journal characterized the disagreement as the "GOP's payroll tax fiasco."

The Army Corps of Engineers sent a flood diversion plan for the Red River Valley to Congress.

Congress passed legislation that would allow for members of the military to get faster airline screening. GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack authored the bill.

Race for Republican Party Chair

Pat Shortridge is running for the post.

Kelly Fenton is open to running for the post.

Mike Osskopp is no longer running for the position.

Race for President

President Obama's poll numbers are rising nationally.

Politico and CNN are reporting that the Iowa Family Leader's Bob Vander Plaats has GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann to quit.

Bachmann's campaign denies that Bachmann was asked to quit to MPR News but rather "merge with another candidate."

Vander Plaats backed Rick Santorum on Tuesday.

Mitt Romney criticized President Obama. Newt Gingrich alleges a smear.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on December 20, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where we get an update on the fallout from Koch's departure as Senate Majority Leader and who wants to take her place, the House is poised to reject a Senate-passed payroll tax cut, and we look at a series of new polls.

Around Minnesota

MPR has an update on how state Senators are handling fallout from Sen. Amy Koch's abrupt announcement that she is stepping down as Majority Leader.

The Star Tribune has a story, too.

In a video, Sen. Mike Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, argues why he'd be a good Senate Majority Leader, or a member of the chamber's leadership team in general.

Capitol Chatter reports that Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, will "insist on the proper sanctions" when it comes to the Koch situation.

Minnesota National Guard officials testified at a legislative hearing about what they're doing to stop soldiers from committing suicide.

The Duluth City Council passed a resolution Monday against a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, the Duluth News Tribune reports.

A Lake City police officer was shot while on duty Monday morning.

Daniel Schlienz faced charges in last week's courthouse shooting in Grand Marais.

Today: Prime Therapeutics is expected to announce a major expansion in Eagan, Minn.

In Washington

The House will use an unusual procedural move to reject a Senate-passed extension of the payroll tax cut rather than vote against the legislation, which would put many Republican members in a tough spot. At the same time, the House will ask to go right to conference with the Senate on the legislation. That's where all the differences between the two chambers will be worked out. The New York Times has more.

A Gallup poll shows that only 11 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing it. It's an all-time low for the organization, which has been gauging Congress's job approval since 1974.

Meanwhile, Obama's job approval numbers are improving, according to a Washington Post -ABC News poll.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the health care overhaul in March.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has chosen three Minnesota health systems to take part in an effort to improve Medicare patient care and lower costs.

North Korea

The New York Times profiles North Korea's heir apparent.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urges a stable transition.

On the Campaign Trail

There are two polls out Monday that tell us Newt Gingrich's appeal is fading, Mitt Romney's support isn't growing, and Rep. Michele Bachmann is still behind just two weeks from the Iowa caucuses.

Meanwhile, a separate poll has Romney with a substantial lead in New Hampshire.

Gingrich's decline may be the result of an onslaught of negative ads in Iowa, reports the Associated Press.

Gingrich is attacking activist judges in Iowa.

He's getting outspent on Iowa's airwaves.

Politico profiles Callista Gingrich.

Rep. Ron Paul told Jay Leno that Bachmann "hates Muslims." Bachmann says that's not true.

Bachmann went after Romney and Gingrich over health care.

You can keep up with Bachmann's tour of Iowa's 99 counties via Twitter @99CountiesMB.

Romney's firm made profits at the cost of South Carolina jobs.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Drumbeat gets louder for Koch to resign, Kim Jong Il dies, Payroll tax fight continues)

Posted at 6:25 AM on December 19, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR reports that several Republican senators are starting to suggest that if they were in Sen. Amy Koch's position they would resign instead of bringing further attention to the scandal.

The comments came just two days after senators admitted publicly that they confronted Koch about an inappropriate relationship with a Senate staffer.

Koch has not made any public statements since she announced she was resigning her leadership position on Thursday.

The scramble to see who will be the next majority leader is also starting behind the scenes.

Dave Thompson has already told reporters that he's considering the job.

Several names have surfaced as candidates for Majority Leader. Interim Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel told WCCO that he's considering a run.

David Hann told KSTP that people have asked him to run.

Former Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem tells the Rochester Post-Bulletin that he's considering a run.

Julianne Ortman and Bill Ingebrigtsen have also been mentioned as candidates for majority leader.

The Star Tribune has a write-thru that says the Republican Party of Minnesota is stymied by debt and scandal.

Under the Dome

GOP Rep. Torry Westrom revised his unionization claims.

Minnesota counties struggle to pay for empty jail cells.

North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has died.

North Korea conducted at least one short-range missile test on the same day the country announced Kim Jong Il died.

Economy

The economy is causing trouble for the nation's non-profits.

War in Iraq

The last U.S. troops have left Iraq, ending the war.

Congress

Say hello to more gridlock in Congress. House Speaker John Boehner says House Republicans oppose the payroll tax cut deal that that was reached in the U.S. Senate. The bill is expected to fail today when the House votes on it.

The Senate passed a $1 trillion spending bill that includes a payroll tax cut extension for two months.

President Obama says he wants the payroll tax cut extended for the entire year (not just two months).

The Star Tribune says a wind project in Goodhue County has sparked a debate in Congress over subsidies.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz discussed the STOCK Act on Fox9.

Race for MNGOP Chair

A draft Kelly Fenton campaign has started. Fenton, who was elected Deputy Chair earlier this month, said she was not going to run for chair this term but left open the possibility of a run in the future.

Race for Congress

Roll Call writes about whether GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will run for reelection if she loses in the presidential race. The only nugget for Bachmann watchers is that her spokeswoman declined to speculate.

Race for President

A Public Policy Polling poll of Iowa shows Ron Paul leading the race. Newt Gingrich's surge is shrinking.

Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney begin their final pitches before the Iowa caucuses.

The Fix takes a look at the GOP expectations game around the Iowa caucuses.

Gingrich said the criticism from his rivals is taking a toll on his campaign.

Gingrich says he would send U.S. Marshals to arrest judges that make controversial decisions to compel them to testify before Congress.

The Washington Post says Evangelicals are divided over whom to back.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says Iran would bomb the U.S.

Bachmann also talked about the "myth" of the Kinsey report.

Ron Paul said on Jay Leno that Bachmann hates Muslims.

RIP

Czech dissident Vaclev Havel died on Sunday.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Koch in an alleged inappropriate relationship, Brodkorb is out, Federal shutdown averted)

Posted at 6:05 AM on December 17, 2011 by Tom Scheck (5 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to a special Saturday edition to the Digest. A lot happened yesterday so I felt it was important to put out an update.

Four Republicans in the Minnesota Senate announced on Friday that they confronted Sen. Amy Koch on Wednesday about concerns of an alleged inappropriate relationship with a male staffer. When Koch announced on Thursday that she was stepping down as Majority Leader, she said she felt it was time. What she didn't say is that five senators may have indicated to her that her time was up.

Interim Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel, Sen. David Hann, Sen. Dave Senjem and Sen. Chris Gerlach explained why they confronted Koch on Friday afternoon. You can listen to that newser here.

The four senators said Sen. Claire Robing is the other senator to confront Koch about the matter. Citing legal reasons, senators and staff declined to identify the staffer allegedly involved with Koch except to say he was a male and reported directly to her.

Koch didn't return calls to MPR News on Friday but on Thursday I asked her whether a scandal was the reason was stepping down, Here's what she said:

Koch: This is about my decision to step down. I'm not going to address anything like that.

Scheck: Is that a firm "No" then?

Koch: I'm not even going to comment on that.

In another loss to the GOP Senate, Secretary of the Senate Cal Ludeman confirmed to MPR News that Koch's top communications aide Michael Brodkorb was no longer working for the Senate. He declined to say whether Brodkorb left on his own or was dismissed. Brodkorb did not return a phone call for comment in time for this report.

The GOP Senate Caucus has until Dec. 29 to elect a new majority leader.

Under the Dome

Minnesota education officials are celebrating that the federal government has awarded the state $45 million in federal Race to the Top money.

The Star Tribune reports that many contractors are reporting a loss of millions of dollars as a result of the state government shutdown in July.

Grand Marais is in shock after a courthouse shooting.

Vikings Stadium
The Pi Press says gambling is becoming a key option in stadium talks.

Congress

The Senate is expected to vote on a spending bill today.

The House passed the spending bill on Friday.

Most of Minnesota's House delegation voted for the spending bill.

Senate leaders also reached agreement on extending the payroll tax for two months.

The deal also includes a requirement that they speed up a decision on the Keystone pipeline.

The White House says the tax cut deal meets President Obama's approval.

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged the ex CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with fraud.

The New York Times says the Obama Administration will allow states to tailor benefits under the federal health care law.

The EPA finalized tough new rules regarding emissions from power plants.

Race for MNGOP Chair

Starkey Technologies executive Brandon Sawalich announced on Friday that he was dropping his bid to be MNGOP Chair.

The news came after MSP Airport police arrested Sawalich on Thursday for having expired license plate tabs on his truck. Sawalich told MPR News that he was "dumbfounded" about being arrested for expired tabs. He may have had good reason to be since a spokesman for the airport later backed off the initial arrest. The spokesman said a clerical error led police to believe Sawalich's truck didn't have license tabs for a year and a half instead of six months.

AP was also reporting seeking comment from Sawalich on a lawsuit he and a subordinate settled in 2003 claiming sexual harassment.

GOP consultant Pat Shortridge is now thinking about getting in the race. He said he's getting strong encouragement to run.

Former GOP state Rep. Mike Osskopp announced on Twitter late Thursday night that he was running.

Todd McIntyre also announced he's running.

Delegates elect a new chair two weeks from today.

Race for U.S. Senate

AP says GOP Senate candidate Joe Arwood was once convicted for having a loaded handgun at the MSP Airport.

Race for President

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann started her Iowa bus tour.

MPR did a fact check on Bachmann's comments in the final debate before the Iowa Caucuses.

Tea Party leaders in South Carolina took a swipe at Bachmann.

Newt Gingrich is holding a conference call with reporters on Saturday after taking criticism for not campaigning in Iowa on Saturday or Sunday.

AP says Ron Paul's aggressive ad campaign may alter the race in Iowa.

The Washington Post says Mitt Romney's rhetoric on immigrants are making some Republicans wary.

Romney is hoping that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's endorsement will help him win South Carolina.

Romney also clarified comments he made about Medicaid.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry defended his decision to retire early to claim his pension in addition to collecting his $150,000 a year salary.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Koch steps down as Majority Leader, MN wins Race to the top $, federal shutdown averted)

Posted at 6:00 AM on December 16, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch dropped a bombshell on the State Capitol last night announcing that she was stepping down as Majority Leader and wouldn't run for reelection. Koch says she felt "it was time" and said she wasn't taking the action to make a run for another office (but didn't rule out a run in the future). Here's the letter Koch sent out.

Senate GOP leadership elected Assistant Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel as temporary Majority Leader. An election has to be held within two weeks (Dec. 29) to elect a new majority leader.

Tidbit: Michel, David Hann and Dave Thompson are names that have been floated for the top job.

AP is reporting that Minnesota is one of nine states that won "Race to the Top" early learning money.

Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped even though employers cut 14,000 jobs in the state.

Governor Dayton and other governors are urging Congress to act on unemployment benefits.

MPR says the drop in unemployment ends extended benefits for jobless Minnesotans.

Three people, including a Cook County prosecutor, have been shot at a Northeast Minnesota courthouse.

MPR says the group suing to stop Gov. Dayton's child care unionization effort isn't as broad based as suggested.

The last Ranger rolls off the line today at the St. Paul Ford plant.

U of M grad students are trying to unionize.

Vikings Stadium

Ramsey County is proposing a countywide food and beverage tax to pay for the new Vikings stadium.

Congress

A spending deal has been reached to avert a government shutdown.

Talks continue on extending the payroll tax break and an extension of the unemployment benefits.

MPR says, despite promises to do things differently, the budget process reverts to business as usual.

The U.S. marked an end to the war in Iraq.

Minnesota's Red Bulls will remain in Kuwait until May despite the end of the Iraq war.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu says Minnesota weatherized more than 18,000 homes as a result of federal funds.

DFL Sen. Al Franken is focusing on data privacy as technology takes off. Franken is raising more questions about Carrier IQ.

Franken also voted against the Defense bill.

Backers of a Stillwater Bridge replacement concede Congress won't act on the bridge this year.

The U.S. House passed a bill restricting welfare ATM use. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline and GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack are upset that the spending bill doesn't include a policy provision on managing gray wolf populations in the upper Midwest.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum voted against a bill that would allow the president to have a line-item veto.

Race for MNGOP Chair

Former state Rep. Mike Osskopp announced last night that he's running for chair.

Race for President

An AP poll finds that more than half of those surveyed think President Obama should lose.

Newt Gingrich compared himself to Ronald Reagan at last night's debate.

Gingrich was on the defensive, however, for most of the debate.

Bachmann teared into Gingrich at the debate.

Roll Call says Mitt Romney struggles to defend the arguments that he flip-flops.

Bachmann says PolitiFact rated all of her arguments as true. PolitiFact gave that a Pants on Fire rating of false.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will announce today that she's backing Romney.

Gingrich says voters are looking past his personal history.

CNN's Gallup poll says Gingrich is losing steam and Romney is reclaiming some meomentum.

The Washington Post says the FBI considered a sting aimed at Gingrich in 1997.

CNN says Ron Paul is making a serious challenge in Iowa that could rock the GOP race.

The Daily Digest (Unemployment benefits at stake, Vikings could get NFL loan, Federal shutdown possible)

Posted at 6:28 AM on December 15, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Unemployment leads the Digest today. In particular, the length of unemployment benefits for laid off workers. The state is set to release its November job numbers this morning. MPR says if the numbers fall below 6.5%, roughly 14,000 Minnesotans will lose benefits.

The Star Tribune says the benefits of thousands of others will be at the mercy of whether Congress decides to extend the benefits.

AP has a look at what Congress is considering when it comes to jobless benefits.

Day Care fight
MPR takes a look at the experience of other states that implemented similar unions.

The PoliGraph says GOP Rep. Torrey Westrom's claim on day care unions misses the mark.

Under the Dome
The House GOP unveils the 2012 legislative schedule. A Senate spokesman says they may not be in agreement with that timeline.

Olmsted County lawmakers tell the public to keep their bonding priorities in check.

A Minnesota prosecutor says he intends to drop a sexual assault charge against a man pardoned under former Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Former GOP state Rep. Tom Emmer says he's a victim of "political bigotry" after he alleged Hamline University pulled a teaching position from him.

Stateline has a good look at the backlog of inspections and other functions that have been created by budget cuts and the bad economy.

A new CDC report reveals new info on the frequency of sexual violence in Minnesota.

Local government budgets

MPR says St. Paul will raise its property tax levy. The Star Tribune says Minneapolis ended a decade of levy increases.

MPR says local governments are looking for efficiencies in light of cuts.

MPR also says budget cuts are forcing local governments to look at changes to policing as well.

Vikings Stadium

NFL owners push for the Vikings to get a new stadium.

The NFL is also ready to loan the Vikings $200 million.

MinnPost takes a look at how much property taxes could drop if a Vikings stadium deal (with Target Center update).

Mining
PolyMet says its permit reviews may be a few weeks late.

St. Louis County's support for the PolyMet copper mine has stalled.

MNGOP Race for Chair

Some politicos, including GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers, Laura Brod and Marty Seifert, have endorsed Brandon Sawalich's bid for chair.

Forum Communications has this profile on MNGOP Deputy Chair Kelly Fenton.

Congress

President Obama spoke on the end of the Iraq War. Listen to his speech here.

The federal government has started shutdown preparations as funding talks continue.

The Senate GOP thwarts an effort to put a quick vote on the House payroll tax cut.

The White House dropped its veto threat after lawmakers rework detainee provisions.

GOP Rep. Paul Ryan will release a new Medicare plan that keeps the traditional option.

A new report says half of U.S. public schools fail to meet the federal No Child Left Behind standards. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

The U.S. is probing cell phone tracking.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison pressures Lowes on American Muslim ad decision.

Race for President

Bloomberg takes a look at how President Obama's campaign is using software developers to help wring out more votes for Obama.

There is a debate tonight. The Des Moines Register calls it "the most two important hours of the campaign for Iowa."

MPR says conservative Republicans are looking for a leader.

Politico wonders whether Newt Gingrich is taking Iowa seriously enough.

RealClearPolitics says Gingrich's shaky campaign structure is starting to show cracks.

AP says Gingrich's website mentioned his three wives.

Mitt Romney, who is worth $190 million, told CBS News that Newt Gingrich a very wealthy man.

The New York Times says Romney is taking a new tact by attacking the surging Gingrich.

The National Review helps Romney's cause by ripping Gingrich.

The Washington Post says Ron Paul has made himself a political force.

Gingrich and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann divide the Tea Party in South Carolina.

Bachmann and Rick Santorum are exchanging swipes.

Bachmann, Santorum, Gingrich and Rick Perry discuss how they'd limit abortion.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (State leaders react to cell phone ban plan, Iowa heats up, Veto looms on payroll tax cut)

Posted at 6:30 AM on December 14, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The National Transportation Safety Board recommends states ban cell phone use for drivers but it isn't being fully embraced by state policy leaders. "We need to set rules or laws that we can enforce," Gov. Dayton said on Midday. He didn't commit to the ban. DFL Rep. Frank Hornstein sent out a release saying he supports it. MinnPost says GOP Sen. Warren Limmer opposes it.

Dayton appeared on MPR's Midday on Tuesday. You can listen to the full show here.

Brooklyn Center voted to keep the city's property tax levy at its current rate. Voters defeated the school district backed levy eight times in a row before passing it last night.

Tidbit: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Session Priorities Dinner is Jan. 24. Gov. Dayton will keynote the event.

MPR says Minnesota's frigid climate is a selling point for data farms.

The Pi Press says Republican Tom Emmer, who lost the race for governor in 2010, is complaining that Hamline University rescinded a job offer to him because some staffers objected to his political views.

An outdoors group finalizes its recommendations for Legacy Fund money.

A Twin Cities lawyer gets jail time for Medicaid fraud.

The IRRRB reviews $8 million in public works grants.

Attorney General Lori Swanson is accusing a Texas company of stonewalling her investigation into whether it cheated a vulnerable adult out of thousands of dollars.

Paynesville is pushing the state to speed up the pollution clean up in the city.

Vikings Stadium

Gov. Dayton suggests that he would want to clean up the Arden Hills site even if they don't get the stadium.

Economy

Manpower is predicting hiring may pick up slightly in Minnesota in the 1st Quarter of 2012.

Congress

The House voted for a payroll tax cut extension bill that President Obama threatened to veto.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz broke with Democrats and voted for the bill.

A Minnesota farmer asks MF Global at a hearing: "Where's my money?"

An NBC News/Wall St. Journal poll finds that 75% of those polled rate this Congress as below average or one of the worst. A new low. 69% of those polled disapprove of the job Republicans are doing. 62% disapprove of the job Democrats are doing.

Attorney General Eric Holder is vowing to enforce civil rights protections.

The Senate passed GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack's TSA bill.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and House liberals float a jobs bill.

The Postal Service will delay its cutbacks until May.

Race for President

President Obama urges his supporters to stick with him.

Newt Gingrich surged past Mitt Romney in a new NBC News/Wall St. Journal poll.

The same poll says Romney is struggling with primary voters. Gingrich has problems with general election voters.

The NBC poll finds that a majority of Republicans view the presidential field as "average."

A new Public Policy Polling poll says Ron Paul is closing in on Newt Gingrich in Iowa.

Romney tells the Washington Post that Gingrich is an "extremely unreliable" conservative leader.

Gingrich is urging his supporters to stay positive. Politico says Gingrich slings some mud though.

A number of Iowa pastors say GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is the most biblically qualified to be president.

Tim Pawlenty rips Newt Gingrich on foreign policy.

Roll Call says some GOP strategists are worried that Gingrich will have a negative effect on other GOP candidates on the ballot.

AP says social issues are bubbling up in the presidential race.

Two Iowa pastors also call Gingrich an "empty suit with a broken zipper."

One of Gingrich's staffers in Iowa left the campaign after he called Mormonism "a cult."

Rick Santorum questions Bachmann's experience.

Stu Rothenberg says he regrets being bullish on Tim Pawlenty's presidential prospects.

Donald Trump won't host a presidential debate but may run as an independent.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:24 AM on December 13, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the MN Chamber says it won't get involved in the same-sex marriage amendment debate, a vote on the St. Croix bridge isn't looking good, and Bachmann announces a tour of Iowa's 99 counties.

Around Minnesota

Starkey Hearing Technologies executive Brandon Sawalich will run for top spot of the Republican Party of Minnesota.

Mike Vekich will help the party deal with its financial woes.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is for now staying out of the debate over a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, the Post-Bulletin reports.

Medronic will pay $23.5 million to settle accusations that the company paid doctors kickbacks.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is proposing lowering the property tax increase he proposed earlier this year.

Anoka-Hennepin's 'controversial topics' measure leaves both sides unhappy, MPR reports.

Gov. Mark Dayton will be on Midday today at 11 am.

In Washington

A vote this year on a new bridge over the St. Croix isn't looking likely.

The Supreme Court will review Arizona's new immigration law. It's the third controversial case the court has decided to take up this year, and their deliberations will have an impact on the 2012 elections, the Washington Post reports.

Rep. Keith Ellison is among those criticizing Lowe's home improvement store for pulling its ads from a show about Muslims living in America.

Lowe's is standing by its decision.

Though American troops may be leaving Iraq, President Barack Obama said Iraqi people "will not stand alone."

He met with Iraq's prime minister on Monday.

Congress is working on a $1 trillion spending bill.

The nation's farmers are having a good year.

Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar are urging against proposed post office closures.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann is planning to tour all of Iowa's 99 counties.

A Grand Forks, N.D., tea party group wants to name Bachmann "Person of the Year."

After maintaining a relatively cordial tone, Newt Gingrich challenged Romney on his business background, MSNBC reports.

Gingrich's tax plan would make the deficit worse.

Romney was challenged on his views about gays in the military.

Iowa's conservative evangelicals are torn over the GOP candidates, the New York Times reports.

A new poll shows that Obama's support in battleground states is waning.

Graphic of the Day

WaPo's Dan Balz has a good article on how candidates are spending less time and money in Iowa this year, and what it all means. But I'm more interested in this cool accompanying graphic that shows where the candidates have been, and how many stops they've made in the early primary states.

Bachmann's made 127 visits to Iowa, coming in second behind Rick Santorum, who has made 214 visits. Huntsman comes in last with one visit.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Surplus tales, Assessment challenges rack up legal fees, Payroll tax cut fight continues)

Posted at 6:23 AM on December 12, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR says Republican lawmakers and Gov. Dayton's Administration are taking credit for a budget surplus where it might not be due.

Dayton told WCCO that he'd give himself an 'A' for his first year in office and is interested in running for reelection.

Tidbit: Gov. Dayton will be on MPR's Midday on Tuesday at 11 A.M.

The Star Tribune says governor's office is looking to consulting agencies to find potential savings.

MPR says cities, counties and school districts are spending tens of millions of dollars more because property owners are challenging their assessments in court.

The St. Cloud Times reports that 28 legislators took per diem or expenses during the state government shutdown in July.

Gov. Dayton ripped GOP state Sen. Mike Parry in a letter for impugning his integrity. He threatened not to meet with him again but the two agreed to meet after that.

An expert says there is little oversight of Minnesota classroom science labs.

Brooklyn Center is voting on a school levy on Tuesday.

A U of M researcher says physical barriers won't stop Asian Carp.

The U of M will give up intellectual property rights when partnering with industry on research.

AP says public retirement ages are coming under scrutiny.

Vikings Stadium

Gov. Dayton and lawmakers watched the Vikings game at the governor's residence.

Same-sex marriage debate

The Poligraph says GOP Rep. Steve Drazkowski's claim on same-sex marriage is misleading.

The Campaign Finance Board dismissed a complaint against a Catholic DVD.

Economy

Economic growth is expected to be slow in 2012.

The U.S. trade deficit shrinks for the fourth straight month.

Congress

The L.A. Times says some local law enforcement agencies are enlisting predator drones to do surveillance on Americans.

Congress is edging toward a compromise on spending, a move that will avert a shutdown.

The U.S. is pondering what to do with its last detainee in Iraq.

There was a reprieve for U.S. Somalis on the money transfer issue.

GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is predicting a deal on the payroll tax cut extension.

NPR says lawmakers are bickering over a payroll tax cut that most voters don't even know about.

The Star Tribune gives us another look as to where Minnesota's delegation stands on the payroll tax cut.

NPR says the GOP is objecting to the "millionaires tax" but they found many millionaires who aren't.

Countries have agreed to draft a new climate change treaty.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack is lobbying for the Boundary Waters land swap.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar asks the FAA to allow pilots to get more rest.

Race for GOP Chair

Party officials say the Minnesota Republican Party's State Central Meeting will be in St. Cloud in Dec. 31.

Race for President

President Obama says the jobless rate could drop to 8% by the 2012 election.

Ron Paul won't rule out a third party candidacy.

ABC News says Paul is drawing big crowds and undecided voters at his events.

The New York Times says Mitt Romney has 23 days to settle any blowback from the most memorable line of Saturday's debate - a $10,000 bet he tried to make with Rick Perry.

Newt Gingrich has been assailed by his rivals but he fired back at Mitt Romney.

Gingrich is also firing back at Romney.

Gingrich hired Marco Rubio's strategist to manage his Florida campaign.

Gingrich also nabbed a Jon Huntsman supporter in New Hamsphire.

NPR says Romney, who is no longer considered the front-runner, is now more than willing to talk with the media.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann killed two birds with one stone in Saturday's debate She went after "Newt Romney" in Saturday night's debate. Her point? That there is little daylight between the two when it comes to previously supporting liberal policies, such as cap-and-trade and health care.

A Tea Party leader says Bachmann needs to win in Iowa.

Donald Trump criticized Bachmann for abandoning his debate.

Trump may drop his debate.

The Daily Digest (Dayton to appeal child care ruling, Huntsman in MN, Payroll tax cut fight continues)

Posted at 6:22 AM on December 9, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton will contest a judge's child care unionization ruling. The next hearing is on Jan. 17.

MPR says a flap over who controls office space in the State Capitol could derail the Capitol renovation.

The Star Tribune says state is investigating a dementia unit after "a male resident with dementia had sexual contact with six female residents."

Testing suggests DNA from Asian Carp may be north of the Coon Rapids Dam.

MPR says the DNR is considering a land exchange within the BWCA.

Some arts groups are upset with the grant process at the State Arts Board. Officials with the board say they are being more specific because of greater scrutiny.

A power line project to Dakota County cleared a final regulatory hurdle.

Vikings Stadium
The Minneapolis City Council grilled Mayor R.T. Rybak's stadium plan.

The Pi Press says the Metropolitan Spots Facilities Commission disputes the notion from the Vikings that the Metrodome is a financial drain.

Same-sex marriage ban

AP says the campaign finance board created a major loophole when it comes to disclosure spending on the ballot initiative.

Gov. Dayton will raise money for Minnesotans United for All Families, which opposes the amendment, on Dec. 12.

Congress
President Obama ripped Senate Republicans for rejecting his pick to head a Consumer watchdog agency.

Lawmakers grilled former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine on MF Global bankruptcy. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Iran gets a hold of a top-secret drone.

AP takes a look inside the CIA's secret prison in Romania.

A missing FBI agent sent out a video saying "Help me." It isn't known who is keeping the former agent hostage.

The Senate rejects the Democratic proposal to cut the payroll tax.

House Republicans also released their plan for the payroll tax cut extension.

GOP House Majority Leader Eric Cantor also blocked DFL Rep. Tim Walz' bill that bans insider trading in Congress.

Walz believed he had enough votes to pass it.

GOP Rep. John Kline and GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack were named to the conference committee to hash out the defense bill.

The EPA connects fracking to water contamination.

The House Judiciary Committee grills Attorney General Eric Holder on the fast and furious issue. CNN reports it was a contentious hearing.

The House votes to ban synthetic drugs that mimic marijuana.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants to extend tax credits for biofuels.

Europe
AP says 23 nations agree on a new treaty to save the euro.

Virginia Tech

Two people were shot and killed at Virginia Tech.

MNGOP Chair Race
Brandon Sawalich tells MPR News he's going to talk to friends, colleagues and advisers over the weekend about running for MNGOP Chair. He said he'll decide by Monday.

Immigration

Alabama GOP leaders are rethinking the tough, new immigration law.

Special Interests
Former GOP gubernatorial hopeful Tom Emmer will head the MN Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Race for Congress

A new Gallup poll says 76% of those polled don't think most members of Congress should be reelected.

Race for President

President Obama shot back at Mitt Romney's "appeasement" criticism by asking if Osama Bin Laden thinks Obama has "engaged in appeasement."

Romney opens up an attack on Newt Gingrich.

Romney's Super PAC also ripped Gingrich in a new ad.

Former MN Rep. (and now lobbyist and Romney backer) Vin Weber comments to the National Journal on Gingrich's management style. Former GOP Lt. Gov. candidate Annette Meeks, who worked for Gingrich, is mentioned. Key line: "The whole office sounded like Fargo."

Jon Huntsman holds a fundraiser in Minneapolis today.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann won't attend Donald Trump's debate. That leaves a lot of room for the two confirmed candidates, Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

Bachmann's campaign manager released a new strategy video.

The DNC hits Romney on his political career.

Iowa's Secretary of State will back Santorum.

Rick Perry is going to launch an Iowa bus tour.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:28 AM on December 8, 2011 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Around Minnesota

Gov. Dayton sits down the Star Tribune and says he'll push for a tax increase on top earners whether there's a surplus or a deficit.

Gov. Mark Dayton says the Vikings stadium hearings were constructive, the Pioneer Press reports.

He thinks that putting electronic pull tabs in bars are the best option for paying for the stadium.

Rep. Morrie Lanning suggested hospitality taxes to pay for the facility.

Lanning also told the Star Tribune that the Minneapolis plan is inadequate.

WCCO's Reality Check looks at the size of the Vikings contribution to the stadium.

Dayton is planning a trade mission to China.

Opponents of the gay marriage ban rallied in Duluth.

The PoliGraph says that DFL Sen. Richard Cohen's about the school payment shift is on solid ground.

The state GOP party will meet New Year's Eve to elect a new leader.

Possible candidates for the position are emerging.

Politics in Minnesota reports that former chair Tony Sutton failed to tell other members of the party that he signed papers obligating the GOP to pay recount fees.

Rep. Tim Walz is getting a lot of attention for a bill that would prohibit members of Congress from engaging in insider trading. Now a Minnesota state lawmaker is raising questions about the issue.

The state's remaining Pearl Harbor vets gathered for the attack's 70th anniversary.

Senate Republicans will hold their holiday fundraiser tonight at Midlands Hills Country Club in Roseville. Leadership patrons are being asked to donate $5,000. the general reception is $500.

In Washington

The administration has stopped Plan B from being sold over-the-counter.

The Washington Post says Jon Corzine, a former Democratic Gov. from New Jersey and head of MF Global will tell a House Committee that he "doesn't know where his customers' money went."

Marketplace Tech reports that there's still a lot to learn about Carrier ID. Sen. Al Franken is mentioned.

President Barack Obama told lawmakers not to tie a payroll tax cut extension to another piece of legislation - for instance, the Keystone oil pipeline bill.

The Supreme Court is hearing a case about a diagnostic patent, and the Mayo Clinic is involved.

The Food and Drug Administration will work with Minnesota medical device makers to improve review of new products.

On the Campaign Trail

There's a GOP presidential debate in Iowa Saturday night and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will be giving the Democratic response.

The New York Times says the DNC sees the GOP primary as a two-horse race.

Mitt Romney hits Newt Gingrich with a new ad.

Gingrich told CNN he would consider Romney as a running mate.

Democrats are turning their attacks on Gingrich.

When Gingrich travels for a speaking gig, he likes luxury accommodations, reports the Washington Post.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gave a speech for Romney in Iowa Wednesday, where he said that winning the state is essential to the Romney campaign.

Rep. Michele Bachmann has sold only 3,000 of her new book, Core of Conviction.

She spoke to the Jewish Republican Coalition.

Bachmann was among other GOP candidates there ; they were all tough on the Middle East.

On the Glenn Beck show, Bachmann reacted to her encounter last week with a little boy who told her that his gay mother "doesn't need fixing."

Rep. Steve King, a lawmaker from Iowa who is withholding an endorsement, says that none of the GOP candidates are the "full spectrum conservative candidate" he's been hoping for. That doesn't bode well for a Bachmann endorsement, who is close with King.

Ron Paul will open his Minnesota campaign headquarters on Dec. 15.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Stadium options narrow, Dziedzic won special in SD 59, Mayo Clinic before SCOTUS)

Posted at 6:36 AM on December 7, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Today is the 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Many groups are remembering the day with ceremonies.

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad will host a remembrance ceremony at the Veterans Service building this morning.

Under the Dome

Minneapolis city officials have picked a renovated Metrodome site as the best option for the Vikings.

The White Earth Tribe proposed a metro casino for a stadium.

Gov. Dayton is still mulling whether to appeal a temporary restraining order the ends forbids some child care workers from voting to join a union.

Minnesota is among the state's with the least prescriptive laws against bullying.

Dayton also attended a fundraiser for food shelves.

The U of M Board of Regents will consider a tuition hike for business students.

A new union is steadily attracting new members from the law enforcement community.

Special Election

Kari Dziedzic won the DFL primary in Senate District 59.

Susan Allen won the DFL primary in House District 61B.

Congress

The Washington Post says Congress is moving very slowly this year. The number of bills passed and signed into law is much lower than other years.

The Mayo Clinic's lawyers will argue a patent case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Chief of the FAA quit his position after getting arrested for drunken driving.

The FDA will work with a trade group to speed up the approval process for medical devices.

The U.S. will use foreign aid to defend gay rights abroad.

Federal officials released a scathing report on actions taken by a West Virginia mine. The Hill says GOP Rep. John Kline praised the report's findings but didn't say whether he would support additional mine safety legislation.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz testified in support of a bill that would ban insider trading in Congress.

The proposed PolyMet copper mine is facing more delays in the timetable to finish its environmental review. GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack is mentioned.

Congress looked at allowing cameras in the U.S. Supreme Court. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar held the hearing.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison introduced a constitutional amendment that would regulate how political campaigns are financed.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says there will "hardly be any money" in the bioenergy sector in the next Farm Bill.

Minnesota farmers are stuck in the MF Global scandal.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack attended the White House Christmas party on Monday night.

Race for MNGOP Chair

Former Speaker Steve Sviggum tells MPR News "That's not true" when asked if he's a possible candidate for MNGOP Party Chair.

Pat Shortridge, who worked for Marco Rubio, Dick Armey and Mark Kennedy, says he's thinking about running for the position.

John Gilmore says Mike Vekich also declined to make a run.

Race for President

President Obama used a speech in Kansas to vow a fight for the middle class.

Massachusetts releases Mitt Romney's records.

Romney will appear on Fox News Sunday this weekend. It's the first time since March of 2010 that he'll appear on a Sunday morning talk show.

Newt Gingrich has a double digit lead in a new national poll.

AP says Newt Gingrich's long record in D.C. is coming back to haunt him.

MPR reports that GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann criticized her competitors in a tele-town hall forum.

An eight-year-old boy tells Bachmann that his mom is gay and doesn't need "fixing."

Bachmann also says Donald Trump's "question of bias" is keeping her from signing up for his debate.

Two students challenged Rick Santorum in Iowa.

Rick Perry called some of his top donors from government phones.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:27 AM on December 6, 2011 by Catharine Richert (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where a vote on child care unionization is put on hold, MPR takes a look at the GOP party shake-up, and Reuters reports Romney spent $100,000 to replace the computers used during his governorship.

Around Minnesota

The state's Republican party is trying to pull together after a major staff shake-up, MPR reports.

Former Republican State Representative Marty Seifert told the Marshall Independent he has "zero interest" in leading the state's Republican party.

A Ramsey County judge blocked a vote to unionize day care workers.

A separate Minnesota court ruled that banning those who have committed a violent crime from owning guns doesn't violate the Constitution.

The state's farmers have been burned by the collapse of a major commodities trading firm, reports the Associated Press.

Gov. Mark Dayton spoke to the state's counties.

Dayton wants the Crystal Sugar labor dispute talks to resume.

Tim Pawlenty has been appointed to Digital River's board. It's his fourth position.

Prototypes for the new health care exchange are now online, MPR reports.

Former Vice President Walter Mondale has endorsed Kari Dziedzic in her bid to replace Sen. Larry Pogemiller. She faces off against other candidates today to become the DFL nominee.

The Vikings and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission are at odds over when the team's Metrodome lease ends.

The Senate holds a hearing on a new stadium at 12:30 p.m. today.

In Washington

President Barack Obama asked Republicans to get behind a plan to extend the payroll tax cut.

Democrats offered a compromise proposal.

Unlike many of his GOP colleagues, Mitt Romney said he would support extending the cuts.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota's 1st CD, GOP hopeful Mike Parry is asking incumbent DFLer Tim Walz to support an extension that "does not add to the deficit or raise taxes on other Americans."

Democrats are tweaking their messaging to appeal to those who support the Occupy Wall Street movement. Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.

Norm Coleman wrote an op-ed, saying government is blocking rural broadband. He singles out LightSquared, a Minnesota Virginia-based company that is touting a broadband system that the military worries could interfere with GPS. Coleman is a paid adviser to the company.

Around the Nation

Expect slower mail in 2012.

Post offices will close, but there are no decisions about which ones, according to the St. Cloud Times.

In Europe

France and Germany say they want to draft a new European Union treaty to prevent against another economic crisis, reports the New York Times.

On the Campaign Trail

Reuters reports Romney spent $100,000 to replace computers in his office at the end of his governorship. The news outlet calls it "an unprecedented effort to keep his records secret."

Since Herman Cain dropped out of the race, Rep. Michele Bachmann has been saying his supporters are becoming her supporters. Most recently, she told a South Carolina crowd that "our phone has been ringing off the hook," according to MSNBC.

That conflicts with this tweet from the Washington Post's Amy Gardner: "Steve Grubbs just told John King that Gingrich has picked up 83% of Cain's IA support."

Despite her low polling numbers, Republican voters are "recognizing Bachmann's sheer determination and tenacity," Byron York writes.

Public Policy Polling shows that Bachmann's favorability is up to 56/35 from 44/38 in October.

The U.K.'s Daily Mail reports that a little boy told Bachmann at a book signing event that "My mommy's gay but she doesn't need fixing."

The Washington Post explains the political power of Donald Trump.

Jon Huntsman will hold a fundraiser in Minneapolis.

A new Gallup poll shows Republicans believe Newt Gingrich and Romney are the only acceptable candidates for the party.

Nevertheless, Gingrich's campaign faces hurdles.

The GOP's top candidates are staying away from the early caucus and primary states, Politico reports.

But they aren't shying away from the airwaves.

Campaign Time Machine

Once upon a time, Romney criticized Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry for being a flip-flopper. It's a gripe Romney's now hearing from both sides.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Hearing on child care vote, Candidates ramp up for Iowa Caucuses, MNGOP tries to organize after Sutton quit)

Posted at 6:20 AM on December 5, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

A judge will hold a hearing today on an effort on whether to stop a unionization vote of child care providers.

The vote of some in-home day care providers starts on Wednesday.

Supporters and opponents of the union vote stared ramping up their organizing efforts on Saturday.

The PoliGraph says Childcare Freedom released a misleading ad.

A test of the state's health insurance exchanges begins today.

Gov. Dayton offers help in the American Crystal Sugar labor dispute.

Party politics

Republicans are looking to elect a new party chair after Tony Sutton abruptly quit his position on Friday - one day before the State Central Committee meeting.

Kelly Fenton has been elected Deputy Chair.

Republican leaders are calling for unity after Sutton's abrupt resignation but some barbs are still being thrown over how the party got so deep in red ink. Former Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb said Tom Emmer's campaign is the reason. He called Emmer the "Bill Buckner of Republican politics."

Vikings Stadium

The Star Tribune says a Vikings move to L.A. would not be easy.

MPR says the Vikings could sell personal seat licenses as a way to pay for the new stadium.

The city of Santa Clara and the San Francisco 49ers have reached a deal on a stadium financing plan.

Economy

Leaders are piecing together an effort to keep the Euro afloat.

Congress

Democrats will offer a payroll tax-cut compromise.

The AP says cutting the U.S. deficit is much harder than talking about it.

The Postal Service says mail service will slow down if cuts occur.

Carbon emissions show the greatest jump ever recorded.

DFL Sen. Al Franken creates a Secret Santa program in the Senate with the hopes of ending the partisan divide.

GOP Rep. John Kline is citing a Goodhue County wind program as a reason to end a grant program for renewable energy.

Wisconsin

Former Sen. Norm Coleman spoke at a rally for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Special Elections

There are two special elections for legislative seats on Tuesday. Both races, one in the House and one in the Senate, are in Minneapolis. The Star Tribune takes a look at the race to replace DFL Sen. Larry Pogemiller.

Race for President

There is less than one month until the Iowa Caucuses.

A Des Moines Register poll says Newt Gingrich is leading in Iowa.

A Marist poll also finds that Gingrich is gaining on Mitt Romney in New Hampshire.

The New York Times says Gingrich still faces major hurdles.

Politico looks at Romney's difficulty in dealing with the national press.

The New York Times reports that Romney's campaign flipped out when it found out a reporter was backstage at Saturday's debate. Aides told the reporter not to physically approach Romney.

Herman Cain suspended his campaign.

There are reports that Cain will back Gingrich.

Michele Bachmann says Cain's supporters are moving to her.

Social conservative Phyllis Schlafly is backing Bachmann.

MPR says Bachmann's campaign is hoping their organizational efforts pay off.

Bachmann accepted an invitation to participate in Donald Trump's debate.

Pro Publica takes a look at Bachmann's efforts to pardon Frank Vennes.

AP profiles Bachmann.

Tim Pawlenty reportedly referred to Bachmann as "Sarah Palin's stunt double."

Pawlenty also played up Romney's "character" during a campaign stop in New Hampshire.

The Daily Digest (Surplus for state, Senate battles over payroll tax cut, Candidates target Newt)

Posted at 9:44 PM on December 1, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The latest budget news is giving Gov. Dayton and the GOP controlled Legislature some breathing room. State Finance officials are predicting an $876 million budget surplus. By law, the state replenishes a nearly depleted cash flow account and budget reserve.

The key question is whether the forecast is a sign of economic recovery or the benefit of one-time money.

Bright spots: Minnesota's economy is predicted to do better than national average. State spending hasn't been as high as projected.

Bad signs: State faces $1.3 billion deficit in next budget cycle (and doesn't include paying back K12 payment delay). Likelihood of a recession is high.

The forecast also projects a slow recovery.

MPR takes a look at how the surplus impacts the political battle over taxes and spending.

State leaders are tempering their enthusiasm for the forecast by saying they want to wait and see what happens in February.

Forecasters say it won't be until 2014 until the state regains its pre-recession job numbers.

WCCO wonders whether the forecast will help with the Vikings stadium push.

Under the Dome

The Pi Press says Minnesota agrees to pay $3 million to patients abused in a treatment program.

A lawsuit has been filed over the treatment of disabled residents in a state-run institution.

An investigation into the Minneapolis Veterans Home found possible fraud in accounting practices at the home.

The Senate GOP votes to join a lawsuit to stop the union vote.

The Department of Education shuffles its staff.

Economy

Target holiday sales are slower than expected.

St. Paul's Ford plant closes.

Vikings Stadium

Minneapolis officials will meet with Vikings leaders soon.

Congress

Al Qaeda claims to be holding a U.S. citizen in Pakistan.

President Obama ripped the Senate for failing to pass a payroll tax cut extension.

EPA faults Monsanto in rootworm cases.

A Senate panel weighs a ban on congressional insider-trading.

The House voted to end the presidential campaign fund.

DFL Sen. Al Franken questions smartphone logging software.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is pushing the FDA to look at a new standard for arsenic after a report found high levels of the compound in fruit juice.

The New York Times says former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is under investigation.

Race for Congress

Republican Allen Quist officially launched his bid for Congress.

The UFCW is backing Democrat Rick Nolan's bid for Congress.

Race for President

President Obama will make a play for Arizona as the state's number of latino residents increase.

The Des Moines Register will release a poll this weekend.

Republican leaders still seem torn about Mitt Romney.

Newt Gingrich says he'll be the GOP nominee.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann targets Gingrich saying he's "memory challenged."

Ron Paul called Gingrich a "flip-flopper."

AP says Herman Cain's campaign is all but over.

The news comes after Cain said his wife didn't know about his friendship (and payments to) with his latest accuser.

Bachmann got her first Congressional endorsement.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on December 1, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Be excited - it's budget day!

Minnesota Management and Budget will release the forecast at 11:30 a.m. today.

Reporters Tom Scheck and Tim Pugmire will be all over it.

You can also catch budget coverage on the Big Story Blog and on Midday with Gary Eichten.

Around Minnesota

The Legislative Auditor wants more record-keeping on how Legacy dollars are being spent, MPR reports.

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee holds a hearing today at 9:30 a.m. on day care provider unionization. Note room change.

The panel may join a lawsuit to block a unionization vote, the Star Tribune reports.

Rep. King Banaian is not so hot on the Vikings' latest plan to use existing income and sales taxes to pay for a new stadium, reports the St. Cloud Times.

The state's Supreme Court rejected a case associated with the government shutdown.

Lawmakers are unlikely to cut student aid for those who go to for-profit colleges, MPR reports.

Ramsey County is exploring other taxes to pay for the Vikings stadium, the Pioneer Press reports.

K-12 schools are borrowing money to get by.

In Washington

Rep. John Kline's bill to limit unionization rules passed the House.

The House of Representatives rescheduled a vote on a bill dealing with small businesses to accommodate Rep. Michele Bachmann's campaign scheduled, Politico reports. Rep. Ron Paul criticized the move.

KDLH profiles Rep. Chip Cravaack.

President Barack Obama calls for an extension of the payroll tax credit.

Bachmann says she'll oppose efforts to do so.

A program that helps low income families with heating bills is facing budget pressures.

Sen. Al Franken is getting into the holiday spirit.

On Wall Street

A move to lower borrowing rates meant a good day on Wall Street.

In Europe

The debt crisis is forcing the European Union to unite or divide, the Associated Press reports.

On the Congressional Campaign Trail

Frank Moe is backing Daniel Fanning in his bid to challenge Cravaack.

Norm Coleman's American Action Network is at odds with the more conservative Club for Growth over which candidates to support, The Hill reports.

On the Presidential Campaign Trail

The Iowa Corn Growers Association gave Bachmann a D+ on agriculture issues. Newt Gingrich got the highest grades.

The Des Moines Register reports Bachmann would choose Rick Santorum as her running mate (or AG).

She clarified her statements about having an embassy in Iran.

Bachmann debated Iowa students over same-sex rights.

The PoliGraph takes a look at DFL Chairman Ken Martin's claim about Mitt Romney's immigration record.

The Washington Post writes that Romney is still struggling to make clear his views on immigration.

Many public officials promise transparency, but don't always live up to their words, reports the Associated Press.

Ginger White won't back down from her claim that she had a long affair with Herman Cain.

And Cain isn't backing down from his race.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Vikings stadium, Dayton issues order on bullying, Congress fights on payroll tax extension)

Posted at 6:38 AM on November 30, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Digest starts with the economy today.

A new study found that there are a growing number of uninsured children in Minnesota.

Home prices continue to fall in the Twin Cities and in most other major cities.

France could lose the country's top tier credit rating.

European leaders plan on turning to the IMF to help with the continent's debt crisis.

Companies are preparing for the breakup of the Euro.

S and P cut the credit ratings of several banks.

Under the Dome

The Legislative Auditor will release the first in-depth look at how Legacy Amendment funds are spent.

Gov. Dayton appointed a task force to study the state's bullying laws. MPR says a task force is no guarantee the state's bullying laws will change.

MPR reports that Republicans in the House and Senate are criticizing Gov. Dayton for what they say is an aggressive use of executive orders. Dayton says citizens want him to take a leadership role.

Dayton also defended his right to call for a union vote of at-home day care providers.

The Star Tribune does a preview on Thursday's budget forecast - the takeaway is everyone in St. Paul is preparing for bad news.

The Foley City Council, which complained about cuts to LGA, approved a plan to hire private security to patrol city streets next year.

The Mankato Free Press says the tax shift, proposed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Dayton, is showing up on property tax statements.

Vikings Stadium

A Senate panel debated the Vikings stadium proposals.

The Vikings say they'll reluctantly work with Minneapolis over a stadium site in that city.

Congress
GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he is open to a payroll tax cut extension.

The comments come as Republicans worry they could lose the message war on jobs.

Facebook made a privacy pledge in a settlement with the FTC.

The Labor Department alleges discrimination by Cargill.

The Washington Post says lawmakers are giving money to hundreds of pet projects despite a ban on earmarks.

AP says the House voted unanimously to allow military travelers on official duty to get a special preference to move through airport security checks faster. GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack was the chief author of the bill.

Middle East
Protesters stormed the British Embassy in Iran.

Race for Congress
The DCCC is hosting a fundraiser for Reps. Tim Walz and Gabriel Giffords among other select 2012 candidates, Politico reports.

The DCCC also launched a robocall on the Super Committee's failures.

Norm Coleman has a new SuperPAC, Congressional Leadership Fund, that will work to keep the House in GOP control.

Coleman also gave advice on how Republicans should talk about immigration.

Race for the White House

AP says the GOP candidates are walking a tightrope on immigration.

Mitt Romney is turning his focus on Newt Gingrich - calling him a "lifelong politician."

Herman Cain says he's reassessing his candidacy.

Politico says Rick Perry shook up his campaign team which Perry denies.

Perry also got the voting age wrong during a speech.

Jon Huntsman won't rule out running as an independent.

Newt Gingrich says he has never lobbied but he did offer advice to groups that do lobby.

Michele Bachmann will campaign in South Carolina on Friday.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 12:24 PM on November 29, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest where day care providers are suing to stop a unionization vote, Dayton readies to announce a bullying task force, and a woman says she and Herman Cain had a years-long affair.

Around Minnesota

A group of day care providers announced a lawsuit Monday to block a unionization vote.

The Committee on Rules and Administration will hold a hearing on the issue at 9 a.m. today. Thursday.

Gov. Mark Dayton will announce an anti-bullying task force. He's holding a press conference on the issue today.

The state will get federal health care funds after all, MPR reports.

A Ramsey County hearing underscores the tough decisions Minnesota communities are making about taxes and services.

The Senate holds a hearing on the stadium today. Here's the agenda.

In Washington

DFL Rep. Tim Walz's bill to prevent insider trading in Congress has earned 19 Republican co-sponsors, according to the The Hill.

National Public Radio looks at a little-known federal office that has big sway over the final wording of new regulations.

The super committee missed their deadline to come up with a deficit plan last week. As a result, automatic cuts will kick in 2013. Here's what the "sequestration" process could look like.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann downplayed Newt Gingrich's Union Leader endorsement.

She was in South Carolina Monday, once again hitting Gingrich for being inconsistent, the Associated Press reports.

Bachmann announced Tea Party co-chairs in South Carolina.

One to watch: the Des Moines Register reports that social conservative groups in Iowa are considering a joint endorsement. Bachmann is among the potential candidates.

CNN's Wolf Blitzer agrees with Bachmann's stance on Pakistan.

Bachmann did a series of radio interviews yesterday. Here's a link to her spot on the Laura Ingraham show.

She skipped an interview with a South Carolina radio host to go on Fox News, according to the Huffington Post.

A woman says she had a 13-year-long affair with Herman Cain. He denies the claim.

The Romney campaign is sending around this mailer in Iowa, touting Romney as the most electable candidate.

DFL party chairman Ken Martin compared Bachmann to liberal Senator Paul Wellstone. (He may have read Bachmann's memoir, Core of Conviction; in it, Bachmann compares herself to Wellstone as well.)

The comments were made in conjunction with a new DNC ad and website meant to paint Romney as a flip-flopper on a number of issues.

Romney National Co-chair Tim Pawlenty defended Romney against the nationwide DNC attack.

Bloomberg looks into Romney's shifting stance on immigration.

Meanwhile, Gingrich outlines his immigration plan.

What will the GOP presidential candidates do if they don't win the nomination (or the presidency, for that matter)?

President Barack Obama's approval rating remains low, according to a new Gallup poll.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:30 AM on November 28, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where we claw our way out of our food stupor to catch up with the Bachmann campaign, and get the latest on the Vikings stadium.

Around Minnesota

On average, the region's shoppers didn't spend as much as the rest of the nation this past weekend.

Rep. King Banaian is torn on the Vikings stadium.

In newspaper ads, the Vikings suggest using existing taxes to pay for a new stadium.

Republican leaders ask Gov. Mark Dayton to think again on a unionization vote for the state's daycare workers.

Two Minnesota lawmakers have been appointed to a GOPAC advisory board.

Three candidates wishing to challenge Rep. Keith Ellison will debate Tuesday.

Allen Quist will formally announce his bid for the GOP nomination in the 1st Congressional District on December 1.

The Star Tribune looks at the St. Croix bridge funding.

Dayton spoke to members of the National Guard before they leave for Kuwait.

Next Door

Facing a recall vote next summer, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has already started campaigning, reports the Associated Press.

In Washington

Politico's David Rogers overviews yet another spending fight in Washington.

Bloomberg finds that the Federal Reserve gave banks billions in undisclosed loans.

Money and Politics

Texas Gov. Rick Perry's new ad may fall into a grey area of campaign finance rules, says Politico's Ben Smith

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann will do several interviews with Christian radio hosts today. Two interviews will include her husband, Marcus.

Her most recent attacks have been on Newt Gingrich for being the most liberal candidate among the GOP field. She points to his record on immigration as an example.

The top paper in New Hampshire endorsed Gingrich. It's a coup considering Mitt Romney's front runner status there.

Bachmann's super PACs are absent from the ad race in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

The Washington Post charts Gingrich's career after Congress.

An Arizona sheriff known for his controversial stance on immigration is set to endorse Perry. Bachmann was after the same support.

The Post also takes a closer look at Romney's relationship with his father.

Are the GOP presidential candidates frenemies?

Ouch

Tim Pawlenty tops GQ's Least Influential People list, according to Mediaite and TVNEWSER.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (DFLers spar over maps, Bachmann in NYC, Pizza as a vegetable?)

Posted at 6:40 AM on November 21, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

We start today's Digest off with redistricting.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Collin Peterson have ripped the DFL backed redistricting plan.

McCollum's chief of staff issued a statement saying the proposal was "bizarre" and "hyper-partisan."

The Star Tribune quotes Peterson as saying the map is "blatantly partisan."

The DFL map also pairs 35 incumbents in the Minnesota House, 13 incumbents in the Minnesota Senate. None of those match-ups force two Democrats to run against each other. Read the match-ups here.

Under the Dome

The House Commerce Committee will hold a hearing today on Gov. Dayton's order that allows child care workers to decide if they want to join a union.

The Pi Press reports that sick-time payouts have spiked as more Minnesota state workers take early retirement.

Forum Communications says Democrats are targeting property taxes as a political issue.

The state of Minnesota will award $52 million in affordable housing grants.

A Minnesota task force recommends sharing criminal records with the FBI.

Police aren't keeping up with the latest designer drug threats.

Vikings Stadium

The Star Tribune takes a look at the money behind the Block E proposal.

The St. Cloud Times says St. Cloud area lawmakers are warming toward gambling.

Congress

The Deficit Super Committee braces for fallout from their failure to reach a deal - another signal of the partisan gridlock that has stymied Washington D.C.

Politico says the political parties are looking to spin the failure of a deal to their political advantage.

The key question is whether the failure of a deal roils the markets.

Hospitals in Duluth are worried that automatic across the board cuts to Medicare could damage their ability to provide care.

On Friday, MPR took a look a the behind the scenes lobbying by groups with ties to a Minnesota company and Minnesota lawmakers on whether pizza sauce should be considered a vegetable.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federal president says farmers are willing to accept cuts to federal agricultural programs.

The DFL members of Minnesota's delegation are backing DFL Rep. Tim Walz' push to bar members of Congress from buying and selling stocks based on inside information they glean from their work.

Minnesota's delegation split its vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment.

The U.S. is shifting its deportation policy.

Middle East

Protesters are clashing with the military in Egypt.

Syria is also a tinderbox.

Race for President

The Washington Post says President Obama's base of support remains solid heading into 2012.

The New York Times says Mitt Romney is making a play to win Iowa.

Democrats are already taking aim at Romney's general election bona fides - suggesting he's a flip-flopper.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is in New York City today and will meet with Donald Trump. She is also scheduled to appear on Jimmy Fallon.

Bachmann will sign her book at the Mall of America on Black Friday.

Bachmann focused on social issues at an Iowa forum.

Finally

The Digest is taking the rest of the week off. There will still be posts on the blog, however, so check back regularly.

The Daily Digest (Will MN police records go into federal system? Shutdown report coming, Bachmann in Iowa)

Posted at 6:12 AM on November 18, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR is reporting that the state of Minnesota is considering whether to dump millions of local police records from Minnesota into a federal criminal and investigative database.

Minnesota finalized the sale of $757 million in tobacco bonds. The total cost to the state for the loan, including interest, is $1.2 billion.

Gov. Dayton says the shutdown report will be released next week.

MPR says some cities are paying for past choices. Some are dogged by past infrastructure investment.

Closing post offices is the latest hardship for Minnesota towns.

Small cities want to stop the flood diversion plan for the Red River.

The House Commerce Committee has scheduled a Monday hearing to discuss Gov. Dayton's executive order that allows some in-home day care providers to vote on whether to join a union.

An economist is predicting a big impact in Minnesota from the health care reform law.

3M is asking the state to drop fish consumption advisories because of results from a 3M sponsored study on fish tissue and water.

The Rochester Post-Bulletin says a 60 Minutes report catapults DFL Rep. Tim Walz bill that deals with insider trading in Congress.

Vikings Stadium

GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch says in an op-ed in the Star Tribune that the stadium vote will fail without a workable plan.

After meeting with Ramsey County leaders, Gov. Dayton is still non-commital on a stadium site.

Redistricting

The parties in the state's redistricting case have to show their maps today.

Economy

Minnesota's jobless rate declined in October.

U.S. unemployment applications also dropped to a 7-month low.

8 percent of the mortgages issued during the bubble have ended in foreclosure.

The U.S. Census says Minnesota's child poverty rate hit 15 percent.

Industry representatives examine Minnesota's future in robotics.

Congress

An Idaho man, who fired shots at the White House, has been charged with trying to assassinate President Obama.

Congress approved a bill that would avert a government shutdown.

The Super Committee has a lot of work to do to reach agreement on a deficit reduction plan.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu offers no apologies for the Solyndra loan.

President Obama will pardon two Minnesota turkeys next week at the White House.

Congress is on the verge of killing a high-speed rail program.

The Hill reports that DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and other Democrats worry the health care law could impact farmers' insurance coverage.

A top Democrat on the House Education Committee wants an investigation into the sex abuse scandals at Penn State and the Citadel. GOP Rep. John Kline chairs that committee.

Race for President

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is campaigning in Iowa. She told Drake University students that "We are broke in this country."

Bachmann also said Energy Secretary Steven Chu should be fired.

She said the Solyndra scandal is "criminal" in an interview with Fox News' Greta Van Susteren.

Bachmann also hammers Newt Gingrich over the Freddie Mac payment.

Gingrich's think tank collected millions from the health care industry.

The Minneapolis fundraiser for Mitt Romney has been postponed.

Tim Pawlenty will campaign for Romney in New Hampshire.

The Secret Service confirms protection for Herman Cain. The security came at Cain's request.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:45 AM on November 17, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the state Senate readies for hearings on the stadium, two MN lawmakers introduce a bill to limit the St. Croix bridge, and Gingrich rises in the polls.

Around Minnesota

The state's highest court says that absentee ballots from the 2008 recount cannot be opened.

The state Senate is planning stadium hearings.

Gov. Mark Dayton issued an executive order requiring the state to simplify Minnesota's environmental review process.

ProPublica profiles Minnesota's redistricting battle.

Property taxes in townships are increasing.

The City of Foley won't hire a private security firm to police its streets.

Money and Politics

A new report shows that, as lawmakers climb the committee ladder in Washington, their contributions increase, too. Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Sen. Al Franken is among a group of Senators who wants states and Congress to regulate money spent in campaigns.

President Barack Obama's cabinet members are turning into fundraisers for his 2012 campaign.

In Washington

Rep. Michele Bachmann has canceled a campaign event to vote on a balanced budget amendment.

The supercommittee negotiations have hit another snag.

Reps. Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison offered legislation to limit the amount of money spent on the St. Croix bridge.

The House passed a bill that would create a national standard for ballast water cleaning.

After some Republican presidential candidates said they would eliminate foreign aid, former Sen. Norm Coleman and former Gov. Mike Huckabee advocate for keeping it, saying it is essential to the nation's security and a very Reagan-esque idea at that.

Rep. John Kline writes about regulation in the Rochester Post-Bulletin.

On the Campaign Trail

The Des Moines Register reports that Bachmann said the Social Security eligibility age should increase for those who are middle age.

Bachmann met with the Des Moines Register editorial board Wednesday.

PoliGraph looks at Romney's records on abortion and same-sex marriage.

A former Romney adviser talks about the similarities between the Massachusetts health care mandate and the new federal health care law.

The New York Times reports that Obama's reversal on smog standards signals a re-election politics.

Expect to hear more about this in the next debate: Bloomberg News reports that Newt Gingrich was hired by Freddie Mac to lobby Congress on its behalf.

While Gingrich is defending his role, Bachmann is criticizing him for it.

Gingrich is doing well in two recent polls. (Cue the Gingrich comeback story.)

National Public Radio has a fascinating story about Gingrich's media strategy.

NPR also interviewed Gov. Scott Walker about the recall effort underway in Wisconsin.

Matt Bai and Nate Silver of the New York Times talk about the presidential campaign.

The Daily Digest (Gov issues order on child care unions, Stillwater Bridge meeting, Bachmann's book)

Posted at 6:41 AM on November 16, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton issued an executive order that would allow 4,300 in-home child care providers to join a union.

You can watch video of Dayton and Senate Republicans here.

Gov. Dayton and GOP Sen. David Hann continue to spar over health grants.

Vikings Stadium

Gov. Dayton says a special session for the Vikings is doubtful.

Ramsey County approved the Arden Hills stadium site purchase.

Several architects put forward plans for the new Vikings stadium in downtown Minneapolis. MPR says several hold out hope that they'll stay downtown.

MPR says even diehard Vikings fans are divided over paying for a new stadium.

Economy

The Department of Employment and Economic Development releases the October jobs report today on Thursday.

Retailers nationally reported solid gains in October.

Europe is teetering on the edge of a recession.

Occupy Wall St. is growing across the U.S.

Congress

There's a meeting on the Stillwater Bridget today in Washington D.C.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum fights to scale back the Stillwater Bridge.

House Speaker John Boehner is backing a Republican deficit-reduction plan that would raise $300 billion in additional tax revenue while overhauling the tax code.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says he wants to reduce the deficit by reducing the nation's reliance on nuclear weapons and close military bases.

The Star Tribune says two Minnesota Beet farmer cooperatives are big donors to the Super Committee members.

The Obama Administration asked executives at Solyndra, which received a $500 billion loan to help create jobs, to delay announcing lay-offs until after the 2010 election.

MPR takes a look at how Minnesota's delegation ranks in terms of Congressional wealth.

The 60 Minutes report boosts DFL Rep. Tim Walz efforts to end insider trading in Congress.

GOP Rep. John Kline introduced legislation that would roll back labor rules.

DFL Sen. Al Franken jumps into the Medtech fray.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson hopes the Farm Bill can be resolved by the end of the week.

The Postal Service is reporting a massive $5 billion loss.

Race for Congress

DFL state Rep. Steve Simon has endorsed Democrat Brian Barnes in the race for Congress.

Race for the Legislature

DFL Rep. Bobby Jo Champion says he intends to run for the seat being vacated by DFL Rep. Linda Higgins. Higgins is retiring at the end of her term.

Race for President

The New York Times says the flubs by the GOP candidates are rubbing some Republicans the wrong way.

AP got an advanced copy of GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's book. They say she plays up her past political rebounds.

Bachmann also went for the jugular in a new ad.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is accusing Bachmann of dodging questions on the renewable energy standard.

Former Republican presidential nominee John McCain rips Bachmann and Herman Cain for supporting waterboarding.

Get ready for a lot of "Newt Gingrich is back from the brink" stories. Gingrich has been surging in the polls recently.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:53 AM on November 15, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Republican legislators propose cuts to property taxes, the supercommittee stares down a looming deadline, and we get a peek at Bachmann's memoir.

Around Minnesota

With concerns about the effect of property tax increases looming large across the state, House Republicans introduced a plan to cut them for some businesses and residents.

DLF Sen. Linda Higgins will retire.

The state is asking for a waiver from No Child Left Behind.

The stadium proposals for Minneapolis will be released today at the bi-monthly meeting of the 2020 Partners.

The Vikings will be buying ads to build support for a new stadium, the Star Tribune reports.

Despite the recession, Minnesota has preserved affordable housing.

St. Paul City Council member Dave Thune has won re-election to his Second Ward seat.

Gov. Mark Dayton's health care task force met for the first time Monday.

There are hints that St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will run again.

At 1:30, Dayton will be interviewed by former Vikings player Chuck Foreman on his radio show.

Money and Politics

Take a peek at the invite for Rep. Collin Peterson's latest leadership PAC fundraiser, courtesy of the Washington Post.

In Washington

A year from the 2012 elections, the Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments on the new health care law.

The supercommittee stares down its Thanksgiving deadline.

While we wait for a deficit plan, here's a guide to who's who on the special panel.

The writing of the new farm bill continues to be controversial.

Meanwhile, House and Senate lawmakers have agreed to a bill that will keep the government open until Dec. 16

Sen. Al Franken has introduced a bill that would make medical device approval faster, the Star Tribune reports.

Rep. John Kline is at the center of the debate over labor rules.

On the Campaign Trail

Fox News has a preview of Rep. Michele Bachmann's memoir.

She's touting this new web ad as part of her No Surprises 2012 theme.

The Star Tribune profiles Brett O'Donnell, Bachmann's speechwriter who was dubbed the "the candidate whisperer" by the Washington Post earlier this year.

Bachmann responded to a mother in Iowa who said her daughter is sick because of the HPV vaccine.

As Newt Gingrich ascends in the polls, questions about his marriages start to emerge.

YouTube won't air an ad opposing Rep. Keith Ellison.

Democrats in Wisconsin marked the official start of their effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker late Monday night.

Herman Cain had a "Rick Perry moment" during an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, says the Chicago Tribune.

A new poll shows that voters seen Cain in a less favorable light amid accusations of sexual harassment.

Mitt Romney heads to Iowa next week.

Bill Guidera won't challenge Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

From the Department of "Who Cares"...

...there's this.

The Daily Digest (Dayton pushes stadium, Bachmann works the refs, Tax Chair to release property tax plan)

Posted at 6:53 AM on November 14, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Vikings play the Packers tonight on Monday Night football. The game is being played in Green Bay.

Gov. Dayton is ramping up pressure to get a Vikings stadium built. In an op-ed in the Star Tribune, Dayton outlined how he thinks the stadium deal could get done.

Vikings ownership say their team contribution stands for Ramsey County only.

Vikings lobbyist Lester Bagley also said they believe the lease in the Metrodome ends at the end of this season.

The Star Tribune says some of the the Vikings total team contribution will come from other sources like the NFL.

The Star Tribune also profiles GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers.

Under the Dome

House Tax Chair Greg Davids releases his property tax proposal for next session. The elimination of the Market Value Homestead Credit has been a big issue among lawmakers.

MPR says Minnesota's state nurseries are phasing out their seedling program - a move directed by the Legislature.

Redistricting

The political parties are required to put forward their new maps by the end of the week.

Congress

The GOP co-chair of the debt panel say negotiations have been a "roller coaster ride."

The New York Times says the committee may also defer on which revenues they will raise.

Expect DFL Rep. Tim Walz to talk a lot about this in the coming months - 60 Minutes takes a look at Congress trading on insider information. Walz has authored a bill to end the practice.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz also said on TPT's Almanac that the farm subsidy programs are "difficult to defend" but said some sort of safety net needs to be in place.

President Obama dove into summit diplomacy over the weekend at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The Obama Administration is expected to announce efforts to expand the health care workforce.

A Stillwater Bridge summit is scheduled for next week.

MPR says Congress is scrutinizing the skyrocketing cost of essential air service.

The PoliGraph says DFL Rep. Keith Ellison's income claims are a mix of true and false.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack hasn't taken a stand on whether a Duluth mail sorting facility should be closed.

European Debt Crisis

Italy named an economist to be interim prime minister.

Time is running short on the Euro.

Race for President

The New York Times takes a look at Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital.

Haley Barbour says Romney is not a "true front runner."

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's appeared on NBC's Meet the Press.

Her campaign started working the refs over the weekend. Campaign staffers are complaining of bias in Saturday's debate.

Bachmann also started taking aim at her GOP opponents. She created the website "No Surprises" to highlight how they aren't true conservatives.

Republicans debated foreign policy at a Saturday debate.

The National Journal says the GOP field is taking a hard line and isolationist stance.

Bachmann said at the debate that waterboarding is effective and she would support it.

Bachmann also criticized the "Great Society" and said the country should be more like China.

Bachmann also said the stage is set for a worldwide nuclear war against Israel.

Bachmann added more Iowa staff.

She also said she'd beat former Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jerry Sanduscky "to a pulp" for his alleged actions.

Newt Gingrich has some momentum according to national polls.

Gingrich declined to take a swipe a Romney.

Some voters are reconsidering their support of Herman Cain.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Most property taxes to rise, SCSU survey released, Vets day brings vet proposals)

Posted at 6:38 AM on November 11, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR says early estimates show that property taxes are rising for most.

State revenues are down 4.4. percent in October.

Gov. Dayton and several other politicians will attend a Veterans Day ceremony at Inver Grove Heights.

On Thursday, Dayton proposed an expansion to veterans programs.

The U.S. Senate also passed a jobs bill focused on helping veterans.

The DNR says Lutsen Mountain can continue drawing water from a slowing river for snow-making.

The Star Tribune reports that Dayton held a private meeting with opponents of an effort to unionize in-home daycare providers.

MPR says the Human Rights Commissioner is promising quicker investigations and resolutions to complaints.

Vikings Stadium

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf told the AP that the team's contribution will drop if the new stadium is built in Minneapolis.

Ramsey County struck a deal with the federal government to buy the proposed stadium site.

Polls!

A Survey USA/KSTP poll shows eroding support for a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.

A St. Cloud State Survey also found that more people oppose the amendment than support it.

The poll also showed a close contest between President Obama and Mitt Romney. Those polled overwhelmingly support Obama over GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The SCSU survey also found that 57 percent blame the Legislature for the state government shutdown. 19 percent blame Dayton. 19 percent say both were to blame.

Read the full SCSU poll here.

Congress

President Obama's Administration delayed a decision on the construction of a pipeline until after the election.

Obama's Mideast envoy is stepping down.

The House is set to vote on a concealed weapons reciprocity bill next week.

The White House has agreed to hand over some Solyndra documents.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is confident the St. Croix bridge will go forward.

The bridge now needs to be approved by the House and Senate.

GOP Rep. John Kline is crafting legislation that would give businesses more time to react to union petitions.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is one of several Democrats who are worried that the Super Committee focused on the deficit will cut safety net programs.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to repeal much of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken both supported the move.

The Senate rejected a GOP bid to overturn 'net neutrality' rules. Franken is mentioned.

Race for President

Rick Perry hit the TV circuit to try to regain momentum after Wednesday's debate gaffe.

Perry delivered the Late Show's Top 10 list in one of his appearances.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's speech on foreign policy got disrupted by Occupy Wall St. protesters.

Tidbit: Bachmann is fundraising off of the event.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:50 AM on November 10, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where some local elections pick up endorsements, the St. Croix bridge sees some movement, and we listen yet again to the "oops" heard around the world.

Around Minnesota

A person with knowledge of the endorsements says that women*winning* will endorse Kari Dziedzic for Senate in district 59 and that Sen. Scott Dibble and OutFront will endorse Susan Allen's race for district 61B.

DFLer Tarryl Clark, who's hoping to run against Rep. Chip Cravaack in 2012, was endorsed Wednesday by United Steelworkers District 11.

Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon won't seek the DFL endorsement to run in the 8th District.

Ranked choice voting in St. Paul leads to a recount.

The Star Tribune reports that Dayton wants to discuss the Vikings stadium with lawmakers next week.

Andersen Corporation laid off 250 employees.

The state is poised to sell tobacco bonds to get cash to close the deficit.

Voters made careful choices in Tuesday's election.

Roughly 70 percent of district requests for money were approved.

In Washington

Supercommittee deficit discussions may be looking up.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama isn't stepping into discussions, the New York Times reports.

The PoliGraph says that a Minnesota GOP claim about Sen. Amy Klobuchar is false.

Klobuchar says she's found a way to offset federal funding for the St. Croix bridge.

Meanwhile, lawmakers from Minnesota and Wisconsin sent a letter to Minnesota's D.C. delegation opposing the bridge.

The House will vote on a concealed weapons bill next week.

Money and Politics

Propublica reports that FEC data shows more spending by super PACs and outside groups.

White House e-mails reveal that a major Obama donor has ties to the Solyndra scandal.

On the Campaign Trail

The GOP presidential candidates debated economic policy in Michigan last night. Here's a recap.

A major theme: the United States needs to stay out of Europe's debt crisis.

You'll be hearing about Texas Gov. Rick Perry's gaffe. All. Day. Long.

Among the debate's winners? Herman Cain, says The Fix. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who also participated in the debate, isn't included on their list in either group.

Midday profiled Cain.

Bachmann will give a major foreign policy speech today, according to her campaign. The speech will occur at a familiar place.

Bachmann wants Obama to apologize for statements he made about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will campaign for Mitt Romney in Iowa, who has slowly but surely ramped up his appearances there.

Onward and Upward!

Cullen Sheehan, Chief of Staff to GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, is taking a lobbying position with Lockridge, Grindal Nauen. Congrats!

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (70% of districts approve levies, Dayton says GOP needs Vikings plan, Tobacco bond sale approaching)

Posted at 6:42 AM on November 9, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Voters approved 70 percent of the school referenda posed in yesterday's election; many raised their own taxes. MPR has a breakdown of which communities approved or rejected the levy questions.

National Elections

AP says Mississippi rejected a "personhood amendment." Ohio overturned an anti-union law.

The Washington Post says Virginia's election may be a warning sign for President Obama.

Vikings

Gov. Dayton increases pressure on GOP legislative leaders to take some action on the Vikings stadium issue.

Under the Dome

AP says Minnesota is set to finalize a bond sale late next week that leverages a portion of Minnesota's 1998 tobacco lawsuit settlement. The measure was a part of a budget solution between the GOP controlled Legislature and Gov. Dayton.

A new Minnesota poll says 53% of those polled approve of the job Dayton is doing.

Dayton says GOP Sen. David Hann is imperiling several federal health grants earmarked to the state of Minnesota. Hann says he wants to know how the money is being spent.

Minnesota also started shaping the state's health exchange.

The DNR Commissioner removed the top two forestry officials.

The state may sell or trade land within the Boundary Waters.

OccupyMN

Hennepin County toughens rules on OccupyMN.

Economy

The Minneapolis Fed Chief wants an economic contingency plan from the federal government.

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he will resign after the country passed a budget that includes austerity measures.

Congress

The U.S. and Europe are pushing sanctions against Iran after that country shows work on an atom bomb.

A conservative leaning Appeals Court upheld President Obama's health care law.

GOP Aides say Republicans on the Super Committee are open to tax increases.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz talks one-on-one with constituents in Winona.

MinnPost says GOP Rep. John Kline wades into a growing labor spat.

Race for Senate

A KSTP/Survey USA poll says DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is crushing the Republican candidates who announced a run for Senate but she's more vulnerable among GOP heavyweights.

Race for Congress

MPR hosted a debate among the Democrats running in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.

Republican Tom Emmer leaves the door open for a run.

Race for President

Herman Cain says he won't drop out of the race.

As Cain explains. Romney sets his campaign on cruise control.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann wants President Obama to apologize to Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison touted President Obama's jobs bill at an event in Minnesota.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:57 AM on November 8, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where it's election day. There are a few important things to watch for, but chief among them is a ballot issue in Ohio that would repeal a bill that would limit unions. Polls show unions are on track for a win. In any event, the outcome may foreshadow the tone of the 2012 election. One of my favorite morning (and afternoon) reads, The Fix, has a few others to watch.

A third of Minnesota's school districts will vote on school levies.

Around Minnesota

The Metropolitan Council is joining the state of Minnesota's lawsuit against 3M.

Some pictures of the potential new stadium.

MPR News will host an online debate today from 11:30 to 12:30 featuring the DFL candidates looking to challenge Rep. Chip Cravaack next fall. You can follow the debate and submit your own questions here.

Minnesotans are split on a marriage amendment, according to a Star Tribune poll.

A citizens committee will be formed to help oversee Legacy Amendment spending for the state's parks and trails.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher will lead Gov. Mark Dayton's task force on expanding broadband in the state.

Martin, Faribault, Jackson and Watonwan counties have lost their last full-time public attorney.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz will hold a press conference today in Minneapolis with Mayor R.T. Rybak and Rep. Keith Ellison about President Barack Obama's jobs plan.

In Washington

Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Rep. Erik Paulsen are among a bipartisan group asking the FDA to speed-up medical device approval.

According to the Associated Press: "The State Department's inspector general will conduct a special investigation of the handling of the pending decision on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in response to reports of improper pressure on policy makers and possible conflicts of interest, according to documents released on Monday."

Remember: some Minnesota businesses are campaigning in support of the pipeline.

A new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that voters are divided over whether the next president can end our economic slump.

Bill Daley, Obama's chief of staff, is handing over his responsibilities to long-time Obama aide Pete Rouse.

On the Campaign Trail

Obama has for months been Rep. Michele Bachmann's target of criticism on the campaign trail. Now, she's intensifying her attacks on the rest of the GOP candidates.

She called them "frugal socialists."

Bachmann wants everyone to pay taxes.

A fourth woman, Sharon Bialek, has accused Herman Cain of unwanted sexual advances.

Conservatives are split on the veracity of her accusations, reports the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, Politico reports Cain sought dinner with a fifth woman.

Cain is holding a press conference today to address the accusations.

Former Sen. Rick Santorum has scored a few important endorsements in Iowa.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is getting support from an unlikely source: former President Bill Clinton, who praised Perry for allowing children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at the state's public universities.

He is buying more ads in Iowa, according to Politico.

The Associated Press looks at Perry's record on tort reform.

AP also has a crib sheet on where the GOP presidential candidates stand on the issues.

And for All Ya'll Sports Fans

The Minnesota Twins have fired general manager Bill Smith and have temporarily replaced him with Terry Ryan.

The Daily Digest (Uneven cuts to justice system, Lease may force Vikes in dome for 1 more year, Bachmann speaks at FRC)

Posted at 6:37 AM on November 7, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR says uneven cuts are stressing the state's criminal justice system.

GOP Rep. Pat Garofalo and DFL Rep. Mindy Greiling will appear on MPR's Midday today to discuss Tuesday's school levy votes.

Unregulated air contaminants pose a big problem for Minnesota.

Vikings Stadium

The Star Tribune poll says most support an expansion of gambling to fund a new Vikings stadium.

The Vikings and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission disagree over where the lease in the Metrodome needs to be extended a year.

Racino backers make their push to be considered in stadium debate.

AP says the stadium drama is stoking fears about losing the team.

Redistricting

The court panel sets the redistricting criteria.

Congress

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is prepping for deep cuts and troop reductions.

Economy

Greek leaders reached a deal to form a new government. The move brings the country one step closer to stability.

The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 9 percent.

Most of the unemployed no longer receive benefits.

Here's an interesting interview with the president of Red Wing Shoes.

Same-sex marriage debate

Hundreds of Catholics discussed their role in the debate.

Jesse

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura says he'll "never stand for the national anthem again." Listen to his Friday news conference here.

Race for President

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will be on the front lines of the 2012 election.

Supporters turned out for Ron Paul's speech in St. Cloud. Listen to his speech here.

AP takes a look at the myths about the federal health care law in the GOP campaign.

Republican candidates made their pitch to GOP insiders in Iowa on Friday.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann called Herman Cain "inconsistent."

Bachmann will be in Washington D.C. today to deliver a speech to the Family Research Council.

MPR says South Carolina is promising, yet challenging for Bachmann's campaign.

House Speaker John Boehner passed on endorsing Mitt Romney.

The Daily Digest (Stadium push back on, Will electronic pull-tabs deliver?, Cain rises in poll)

Posted at 6:37 AM on November 4, 2011 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The stalled Vikings stadium bill got another lease on life when Gov. Dayton and Vikings stadium supporters met to discuss options. GOP legislative leaders, in particular Speaker Kurt Zellers, still need to be convinced.

Dayton is open to asking the state's tribal leaders to pay for part of the Vikings stadium. The head of the Indian Gaming Association says a contribution is unlikely.
MPR says the revenue estimate on electronic pull-tabs is on shaky ground.

Fox 9 has a story on Vikings coach Leslie Frazier and backup QB Donovan McNabb driving cars with dealer plates - a measure that meant they didn't have to pay motor vehicle sales taxes. The state says the dealership is violating the law. The dealer admitted guilt and said they fixed it.

The Pi Press says Ramsey County continues to push the Arden Hills site.

KSTP has an advanced look at the Farmers Market site proposed by Minneapolis.

Under the Dome

Gov. Dayton hits the Governor's annual Deer Hunting Opener in Biwabik. Dayton will attend several events but he won't hunt this weekend. The governor, who did hunt at the governor's pheasant opener, said he's not a deer hunter.

The state's next Revenue Forecast will be released on December 1.

Lawmakers are criticizing the Corrections Commissioner for the parole of a convicted cop killer.

Republican lawmakers are considering a position on the Health Insurance Exchange.

3M says the Mississippi River cleanup is paying off.

Same-sex marriage debate

A year before the marriage vote, both sides are paying defense.

Congress

AIG still owes the government about $68 billion.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar's jobs bill gets filibustered.

The Farm Bill will be released soon and it will likely include $23 million in cuts. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz and Peterson signed a letter urging a large deficit-reduction.

The St. Croix Bridge backers made their case to the White House.

Europe

Greece drops its push to allow for a vote on the bailout.

Race for Congress

Republican Mike Parry officially kicked off his campaign for Congress.

The Mankato-Free Press says Allen Quist will also challenge DFL Rep. Tim Walz.

Race for President

Herman Cain continues to rise in the polls despite the scandal.

The New York Times continues to probe the allegations against Cain.

Mitt Romney offers a deficit reduction plan.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry endorsed a plan that would allow work visas for immigrants in the country illegally.

The New York Times says Rick Perry also took $1.3 million in free flights as governor.

Perry is playing defense on a recent speech he gave in New Hampshire - going so far as to say he wasn't drunk when he delivered it.

Ron Paul is in St. Cloud tomorrow.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann appears on NBC's Today show today.

A national poll has Bachmann near the bottom.

She says the Wall St. protesters to stop blaming the free market.

Bachman also warns that the U.S. is a "Banana Republic."

Bachmann pushes her jobs bill in a new video.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:00 AM on November 3, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the Vikings stadium is in limbo, Ellison rolls out two voting bills, and the Cain harassment controversy grows more complicated.

Around Minnesota

The Vikings stadium is in limbo after Republican lawmakers rejected Gov. Mark Dayton's timetable for a special session to approve a stadium deal.

Your pull-tab questions answered.

State Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, says schools should only hold levy votes in even-numbered years, when turnout is already higher for other elections.

US Bank chief Richard Davis told area business leaders to snap out of their economic doldrums.

The effort to unionize daycare workers may face legal hurdles.

The Pioneer Press sat down with members of Dayton's staff.

In Washington

Rep. Keith Ellison writes about same-day voter registration in the Huffington Post. He introduced two voting bills Wednesday.

Pawlenty will headline the Winter Gridiron Dinner, a gathering of Washington's most prominent journalists. Lots of skits and jokes, so Pawlenty better bring the funny.

The Senate is debating a jobs bill sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar. It's part of President Barack Obama's jobs plan.

The Brainerd Dispatch reports that local airport officials say Rep. Chip Cravaack hasn't done his part in the process to replace Delta Airlines' service there.

On the Campaign Trail

The GOP nominating schedule is set: the New Hampshire primary will be on Jan. 10.

Amid reports of his alleged sexual harassment while at the helm of the National Restaurant Association, Herman Cain was on Capitol Hill yesterday.

One of the women who accused Cain of harassment at first wanted to speak out. Now she says she won't make a public statement.

The Associated Press interviewed a third woman who said Cain's behavior in the workplace was inappropriate.

Cain accused the Texas Gov. Rick Perry's campaign of starting the controversy.

Still, Cain said the issue has helped his campaign raise a lot of money.

Meanwhile, an outside lawyer will review Cain's relationship with a nonprofit founded by his campaign manager that paid for goods and services for his campaign, the New York Times reports.

Rep. Michele Bachmann was in Iowa pitching her ability to create jobs.

She continued to criticize Cain over the harassment allegations, saying that the next president needs to be someone with a "core of conviction" - coincidentally, the name of her forthcoming book.

Bachmann is pushing her memoir to raise campaign cash.

She's named her South Carolina staff.

Bachmann is in Iowa today.

A pro-Obama super PAC has launched its third ad in opposition to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

State Sen. Mike Parry will formally launch his campaign for the state's 1st District congressional seat today. He may have a challenge from former state Rep. Allan Quist.

The Daily Digest (Local sales tax for Vikes is dead, Bachmann targets Cain, Klobuchar hires a campaign manager)

Posted at 6:55 AM on November 2, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers e-mailed colleagues late last night to tell them he won't support a special session to build a new Vikings Stadium.

"I have repeatedly told Governor Dayton that I will not support a special session for a Vikings stadium," Zellers wrote in the e-mail. "This issue can be addressed during the regular session.

The e-mail came just hours after Gov. Dayton and the four legislative leaders said no to a local sales tax hike. Dayton made the announcement one week before he's releasing his plan to finance a new Vikings stadium.

Here's the statement from Dayton and leaders.

Dayton suggested that electronic pull-tabs was the best option to finance a new stadium. MPR takes a look at how that would work.

Two Republican lawmakers who oversee the state's Legacy Amendment money say they think other funding sources should be considered to finance a new Vikings stadium.

Under the Dome

The Pi Press says the Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed cases of abuse at several Minnesota health care facilities.

A State Capitol renovation inches closer to reality.

Test scores from the National Assessment of Education Progress show that Minnesota students made little progress over the last decade in reading.

The state expects to have enough money to cover its portion of aid for needy college students, said the head of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

Duluth voters must choose between lower taxes or losing services.

Cash strapped cities cut library services.

Approval is expected for Magnetation mining lease.

Same-sex marriage Debate

More disclosure is possible for Minnesota ballot measures.

Congress

WCCO gets a sit down with President Obama.

WCCO asks whether President Obama came through on his promises.

A New York Times analysis says GOP Rep. John Kline didn't miss a vote this year. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann, who is running for president, missed 26 percent of the votes cast this year.

MFs Global collapse is drawing FBI interest.

GOP Rep. Keith Ellison voted present on an In God We Trust bill.

The leaders of the House and Senate Ag Committees have missed a self-imposed deadline of Nov. 1 to present their plan for reducing agriculture spending. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Peterson also formed a Communications caucus.

As Iraq and the Afghan wars cycle down, anti-suicide program for Minn. veterans ramps up.

Europe

The Greek Parliament backs a referendum on the EU debt rescue package.

Greek turmoil sent the world's markets lower.

Race for U.S. Senate

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar hired Justin Buoen to run her campaign.

Race for President

Republicans pitch their jobs plans to Iowa voters.

The lawyer for Herman Cain's accuser says she wants to tell her side of story.

Cain's accuser got a year in severance pay.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is trying to capitalize on Cain harassment accusations.

Bachmann announced at an Iowa forum that she opposes ethanol subsidies.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:50 AM on November 1, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Dayton announces two health care task forces, Kline criticizes Obama's student loan plans, and Cain reels from a day of news about sexual harassment accusations and a potential violation of campaign rules.

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton has started two health care task forces.

The state's doctors are pleased with President Barack Obama's latest efforts to deal with drug shortages.

U of M president Eric Kaler's speech from Dayton's jobs summit can be found on MPR's On Campus blog.

State Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazzeppa has endorsed Sen. Mike Parry, R-Waseca, who's aiming to unseat U.S. DFL Rep. Tim Walz.

The DFL has hired an executive Director and an outreach director.

The DFL will endorse a candidate to run for Sen. Larry Pogemiller's seat on Dec. 7, the day after the primary election.

The Post-Bulletin says former Gov. Arne Carlson is the best governor the state has seen in recent history.

In Washington

Rep. John Kline spoke with Fox News Monday morning about President Barack Obama's efforts to change student loan rules without going to Congress.

Lawmakers get flack for missing votes, but it's not uncommon among members of Congress.

A Government Accountability Office released a review of the Federal Reserve's assistance to AIG. The New York Times has analysis here.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann released a list of 64 people who are helping her win in Iowa.

UPI reports that Bachmann is popular among Iowa's Republican voters despite dropping in the Iowa Poll.

Meanwhile, Bachmann's former campaign manager Ed Rollins told ABC News that she's "out of money and ideas," and said that Iowa is out of her reach at this point.

The Concord Monitor games out Bachmann's prospects in Iowa.

Herman Cain had a tough day Monday. Questions about sexual harassment allegations continued during a Fox News appearance and speeches at the American Enterprise Institute and the National Press Club. He started the day denying the charges.

But in an interview last night with Fox's Greta Van Susteren, he detailed the accusations.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on an outside group that appears to have spent thousands on goods and services for the Cain campaign - a potential violation of campaign and tax law.

On a separate note, Cain has hired Iowa GOP operative Steve Grubbs. After his first place finish in the Des Moines Register's Iowa Poll announced Saturday, it looks like Cain will be spending more time in that state.

Finally

MPR mourns the loss of Tom Keith, host of the Morning Show and sound effects guru for A Prairie Home Companion.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Trouble for Cain, delegation skeptical of Super Committee and DFLers line up to replace Pogemiller)

Posted at 6:51 AM on October 31, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Herman Cain, who was celebrating a strong showing in a Des Moines Register poll of GOP candidates in Iowa, is now defending himself against allegations that two women accused him of inappropriate behavior in the 1990s.

Cain's campaign called the story "Inside the Beltway attacks."

Cain is also leading Texas Gov. Rick Perry in a poll of likely Republican voters in Texas.

CNN reports that Mitt Romney remains the top target of his GOP rivals and the White House.

(More presidential politics below)

Under the Dome

Corrections Commissioner Tom Roy has agreed to appear at a hearing over the parole of two convicted cop killers. GOP legislative leaders made the request in a letter to Gov. Dayton.

The Pi Press says clean water may be the murkiest Legacy fund goal.

The Star Tribune says an Adult Care agency within DHS gets a new chief.

Fishing license sales are down $1.6 million.

GOP Rep. Steve Gottwalt says more improvements are needed in the health care system regardless of the health care overhaul.

DFL Sen. Larry Pogemiller said he's going to miss the Minnesota Senate. Gov. Dayton appointed Pogemiller to be director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

Minneapolis gets $750k to repair the northern part of the city damaged by tornados.

The Star Tribune says the biggest battle at this year's election will be over school referenda.

Boo!

Gov. Dayton will greet trick or treaters at the Governor's residence.

Jobs

The Pi Press takes a look at job growth by city.

The PoliGraph says GOP Sen. Geoff Michel's jobs claim is incorrect.

Union groups are joining Occupy MN.

Vikings Stadium

Gov. Dayton said on TPT's Almanac that electronic pull-tabs are an option to finance the Vikings stadium.

Dayton said there was no "breakthrough moment" on his stadium talks with legislative leadership.

The leading backer of the Arden Hills site expects the federal government to finalize the sales of the land to Ramsey County by today.

Politics in Minnesota has a story on why it's unlikely the Vikings will leave Minnesota.

The Pi Press says look at Cleveland if you don't think the Vikings will move.

The Star Tribune says Los Angeles is working hard to bring an NFL franchise to that city.

Congress

President Obama will issue an executive order today that says the FDA should help reduce drug shortages.

MPR reports that Minnesota's Congressional delegation is skeptical of the Super Committee designed to come up with budget cuts.

A prominent global warming skeptic now says global warming is real.

Hiring an attorney will fetch a better deal in negotiations in the way of the Central Corridor line.

Teen pop idol Justin Bieber said DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar should be "locked up" for sponsoring a bill that would make it a felony to profit from streaming unlicensed online content.

The Star Tribune says Klobuchar dives into the partisan fight over the Jobs bill.

Klobuchar is also continuing a tour that features products that are "Made in America."

DFL Sen. Al Franken visited Waseca.

U.S. northern border checks have been scaled back.

GOP Reps. John Kline, Michele Bachmann and Chip Cravaack sign on to a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court asking the court to declare the Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional.

Democrats lose their enthusiasm for the health law.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is leading the charge to block an Obama Administration cut to imaging reimbursement.

Crop insurance supplants subsidies in the Farm Bill proposal. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Groups are lobbying the Deficit Super Committee to include the Dairy Market Stabilization program.

Reuters talks to Tim Pawlenty about Tunisia's elections.

Race for Legislature

Gov. Dayton called a special election for Senate District 59, which is being vacated by DFL Sen. Larry Pogemiller.

Two Democrats, Peter Wagenius and Jacob Frey, are lining up to replace Pogemiller.

Race for Congress

DFL state Rep. Tom Anzelc is backing Rick Nolan's bid for Congress.

Race for President

Bloomberg has an interesting story that says the Republican plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act aren't as simple as the candidates are suggesting.

Herman Cain says he's going to scale back the number of public appearances.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann said on ABC's This Week that the campaign can be revived.

Bachmann says she would not do anything for the children of illegal immigrants.

Bachmann blames Rick Perry for the bashing by a Tea Party group.

AP says Bachmann is exaggerating a directive from federal officials to evaluate procedures for religious and cultural sensitivity.

Bachmann is planning an early November campaign stop in South Carolina.

Bachmann is courting a South Carolina consultant.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch and GOP House Majority Leader Matt Dean are backing Bachmann's campaign.

CNN says Ron Paul has no plans for a third party bid, yet.

Finally

There will be lots of ghosts and goblins walking the streets tonight for Halloween. Drive safely.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:40 AM on October 28, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Dayton weighs competing plans for the Vikings stadium, a donation from Bachmann's leadership PAC could violate campaign finance rules, and markets rally with news of a plan to deal with Greece's debt.

Around Minnesota

Today, Gov. Mark Dayton will meet with legislative leaders to discuss the Vikings stadium. He'll be on TPT's Almanac tonight.

Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak introduced a new stadium plan that includes a citywide sales tax or casino revenue. It's one among many plans that Dayton is weighing.

The AFL-CIO says it supports the Block E casino. Others are pushing racino revenue.

But a bipartisan group of lawmakers say they oppose gambling revenue to pay for the Vikings stadium.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said she would consider using money from the state's Legacy fund for a Vikings stadium.

Minnesota's housing agency is considering new programs for those who need help with their mortgages.

Dayton will appoint state Sen. Larry Pogemiller to run the Office of Higher Education, MPR reports.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have been touring the state, visiting businesses and schools.

In Washington

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi wouldn't endorse cuts to Medicare and Social Security suggested by Democrats on a committee to come up with deficit reduction.

DLF Reps. Collin Peterson and Tim Walz have signed a letter urging that committee to agree to a mix of tax increases and spending cuts.

The Market

Markets around the world rallied yesterday after European leaders announced a plan to deal with Greece's debt.

Money and Politics

A donation made from Rep. Michele Bachmann's leadership PAC to the Polk County GOP may violate campaign finance rules.

President Barack Obama said he wouldn't take money from lobbyists. But some of his fundraisers have are involved in lobbying, the New York Times reports

Lobbyists are playing an major role in Republican fundraising this election cycle, the Washington Post writes.

On the Campaign Trail

Bachmann criticized a new administration plan to help students with loan debt, saying it was an "abuse of power."

A conservative leader calls for Bachmann to exit the race.

Bachmann hosted a fundraiser in Minneapolis last night.

Obama will dined with four donors, a Minnesotan among them.

The New York Times talks to former Herman Cain staffers who say he hasn't managed his campaign well.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:10 AM on October 27, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the Vikings stadium dominates local coverage, Europe has a plan to deal with Greece's debt crisis, and Bachmann comes home for a fundraiser.

Around Minnesota

Legislators and religious groups are coming out against efforts to expand gambling to pay for the Vikings stadium.

It's unlikely the House Taxes Committee will vote for any stadium proposal that includes a tax hike.

The Pioneer Press reports that electronic pull tabs could be a funding option.

Gov. Mark Dayton would not go so far as to endorse a GOP plan to use Legacy funds to pay for the stadium.

The Minnesota Historical Society is pushing back on using Legacy funding.

The PoliGraph finds Sen. John Marty's claim claim about the cost of the Vikings stadium proposal accurate.

A five-panel judge heard arguments Wednesday about redrawing the state's political boundaries.

Dayton was on Midday.

Dayton wants to invest as much as $100 million into local banks, but his plan got a lukewarm reception.

Jennifer Vogel, who reports for our Ground Level project, writes that budget restraints are causing Minnesota's cities to fray at the edges.

A Ramsey County judge temporarily stops the state from cutting payments to care assistants.

In Washington

Democrats on a special committee meant to tackle the deficit outlined a plan Wednesday similar to President Barack Obama's.

Europe has a deal to address Greece's debt crisis. The Wall Street Journal is live blogging market reaction.

Rep. John Kline criticized President Barack Obama's new plan to reduce student loan payments for college students.

Kline is mentioned in this Bloomberg article about the advancement of a bill that would block the National Labor Relations Board from holding union elections quickly.

Lawmakers are mulling a tax holiday that could return$20 billion back to Minnesota, MPR reports.

GOP candidate Mitt Romney spoke with House Republicans, and they were impressed, according to Politico.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann leads the pack of GOP presidential candidates in Minnesota's money race.

Bachmann planned a town hall in Minneapolis for today, but has cancelled the event. A fundraiser is still on, though.

Bachmann filed her paperwork for the New Hampshire primary.

Eric Woolson, who was managing Bachmann's communications in Iowa, will now be her campaign manager there.

A spokesman for Texas Gov. Rick Perry told Politico the candidate may not be at every debate.

Rep. Ron Paul has spent about $1 million on charter jets - more than any other candidate.

The Daily Digest (Uncertainty over Legacy spending, Dayton to talk Jobs Summit, Will Vikes stadium create jobs?)

Posted at 6:38 AM on October 26, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR takes an in-depth look at how public reporting on how the state's Legacy Fund are being spent are lagging.

Jobs

Gov. Dayton holds a news conference this morning to discuss his jobs summit. He will also be on MPR's Midday at 11.

MPR says the governor's summit starts the conversation on job creation.

Several businesses said at the jobs summit that they can't find qualified workers.

The Star Tribune says Delta paid back a $175 million loan to the Metropolitan Airports Commission - sparking job fears.

The MPCA Board approved the Keetac expansion.

Vikings Stadium

The builder of the Vikings stadium says the stadium can be built by 2015.

Jobs are a key issue in the debate over the stadium. MPR takes a look at the numbers.

Vikings cornerback Chris Cook was charged with felony domestic assault.

Redistricting

The Special Redistricting Panel will hold the first round of oral arguments today on the best way to draw the state's political boundaries. The five judge panel has been appointed to draw a new set of lines if the GOP controlled Legislature and Gov. Dayton can't agree on a new map by February 21. Today's hearing will focus on the principles the panel should consider when drawing the map. Democrats and Republicans have hired high-priced legal talent to argue their case on behalf of the parties.

Under the Dome

Democrat Jeff Hayden was sworn in as the newest member of the Minnesota Senate.

Health agencies challenge the state law that cuts payments for personal help.

Ouch!

A new study says the flu vaccine is not as effective as thought.

Congress

A new poll says Congressional approval is at all-time low of 9%

McClatchy says "President Barack Obama and his point man on Iraq, Vice President Joe Biden, remained aloof from the process, not even phoning top Iraqi officials to help reach a deal, according to logs released by the U.S. Embassy here."

President Obama released a plan to ease student loan burdens.

GOP Rep. John Kline said the consolidation can create a "pretty big slush fund."

Federal prosecutors are expected to file criminal charges today against a business executive for insider trading.

The CBO says top earners doubled their share of the nation's income over the last three decades.

MPR says A tax holiday could return $20 billion in overseas profits to the U.S.

The New York Times says venture capitalists are putting their money on easing medical device rules. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

DFL Sen. Al Franken touts the education bill and the amendments that he put on the measure.

Franken also shifted tactics on the LGBT student protection bill.

Europe

Europe faces new hurdles in the crisis over debt.

Race for U.S. Senate

Anthony Hernandez, a 32-year-old St. Paul resident, is the latest Republican to announce he's challenging DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

Race for President

President Obama appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night.

Rick Perry released his plan to help fix the economy and change the nation's tax code. It clashes with Mitt Romney's plan.

Here's the full text of Perry's speech.

CNN says Perry's simple tax plan is not that simple.

Bachmann alleges Perry is using her plan.

In Ohio, Mitt Romney wouldn't say whether he supports two ballot measures - one dealing with collective bargaining rights changes passed by Republicans earlier this year, and another that would prevent the state from participating in health care mandates. Slate reports.

Romney won't be attending the Ronald Reagan dinner in Iowa Nov. 4

Perry also released his first ad in Iowa.

Pat Robertson says the GOP field may be too extreme.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:00 AM on October 25, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest where Minneapolis again weighs-in on the Vikings Stadium debate, Obama lays out new mortgage rules in Nevada, and Bachmann's New Hampshire staff speaks about their departure.

Around Minnesota

Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak made the case that Minneapolis would be the least costly place for the new Vikings stadium.

There's growing concern that the Ramsey County site isn't ideal.

A racino could bring in $137 million annually to help pay for the stadium, according to a new fiscal note prepared by the state.

Gov. Mark Dayton will be attending his jobs summit in St. Paul today.

The Star Tribune previews the meeting, and details a Republican jobs plan unveiled yesterday.

The debate over whether to allow daycare workers to unionize went to St. Cloud and Rochester.

The Post-Bulletin reports that community leaders are distancing themselves from a plan to expand the Rochester Civic Center because of politics.

Is farmland the next real estate bubble?

Dan Severson, who hopes to run against Sen. Amy Klobuchar next year, raised roughly $35,000 this quarter.

Some area restaurants are passing tip-related fees to wait staff, MPR's Martin Moylan reports.

The OccupyMN protests have so far cost the state $200,000.

In Washington

President Barack Obama was in Nevada - a state hit hard by the foreclosure crisis - to tout his new plan to let more people refinance their mortgages to avoid foreclosure. The Washington Post smells politics.

Money and Politics

Politico writes about super PACs. Former Minnesota Republican Sen. Norm Coleman is quoted. He's leading a new fundraising organization that will help center-right Republicans running for Congress.

Two of Tim Pawlenty's former fundraisers are hosting an event for Herman Cain.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann's former New Hampshire staff speaks out after calling it quits late last week. The group said that the national staff was dismissive and, at times, "cruel." You can read the press release here.

The shake-up could hurt Bachmann's chances in the Granite State.

The health care law Mitt Romney backed as governor of Massachusetts included a program that allows undocumented immigrants access to publicly subsidized care.

Today's Midmorning broadcast will focus on immigration.

The New York Times looks at Romney's position on the flat tax.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry formally announces his economic plan today, which will include an optional flat tax.

Perry is poised to launch a major ad buy in Iowa.

He's got new people on his team.

The ad buy and the new team members signal that Perry is trying to reinvigorate his campaign, the New York Times reports.

Herman Cain has been accused of flip-flopping on abortion. Did he?

Watch For

Bachmann's profile in the latest edition of People Magazine. MPR News will be tracking down a copy today.

The Daily Digest (Minneapolis makes Vikings push, Jobs Summit this week, Bachmann relies on homeschoolers)

Posted at 6:30 AM on October 24, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Jobs and the Economy lead the Digest.

Gov. Dayton holds his jobs summit on Tuesday.

The New York Times says President Obama will take a number of executive-branch actions to confront the economy.

The head of the Minneapolis Fed sees a slow recovery ahead.

The Eagan headquarters of Mesaba Airlines will close next year.

CNN says Europe's leaders are nearing a debt solution.

Under the Dome

Two House Committees will hold hearings tonight in St. Cloud and Rochester on efforts to unionize at-home day care. Gov. Dayton has not decided whether he'll issue an executive order allowing at-home day care providers to vote on joining a union.

Vikings Stadium

Gov. Dayton meets with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and City Council President Barb Johnson this morning.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch appeared on WCCO's Sunday Morning. Koch said "I would have to look at any kind of deal but I would like a referendum in Ramsey County."

Tidbit: Notice how Koch said the Vikings are "a part of our history and our heritage for 50 years" several times during the q and a? Republicans are talking about using Legacy money for the stadium.

Gov. Dayton spoke on the likelihood of building the stadium in Arden Hills.

The Star Tribune says there is a new push to put the stadium in Minneapolis.

Redistricting

Oral arguments on redistricting criteria will be held on Wednesday.

The New York Times says the battle to draw the boundaries goes to the courts.

Same-sex marriage amendment

AP says Minnesota's companies are sitting on the sidelines.

MPR reports that Oral Roberts gay grandson will preach tolerance in Minnesota.

Congress

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warns Iran to not misread the U.S. departure from Iraq.

Clinton's comments come two days after President Obama said the war in Iraq is over.

Minnesota's delegation reacts to the decision.

The Washington Post says President Obama's effort to aid homeowners and boost the housing market fall short of goals.

Politico reports that 200 companies and special interests have filed to lobby the Super Committee.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is set to unveil the next phase of the jobs bill.

Klobuchar, DFL Sen. Al Franken and DFL Rep. Tim Walz are pushing the White House on the Lewis and Clark water pipeline.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison warns fellow Democrats about rushing to embrace the Occupy Wall St. movement. He said the protesters need to find their political leaders on their own timeline.

Party politics

The Star Tribune profiles Alida Messinger - a big-time DFL donor.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley will be in the Twin Cities on Thursday to appear at a fundraiser with Gov. Dayton. The two will raise money for the Democratic Governors Association.

Race for President

MPR reports that Iowa's homeschool advocates could help GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann win that state.

Bachmann says Iraq must reimburse the U.S. for the war.

Bachmann dismissed the idea of giving up in New Hampshire.

ABC News says some of Bachmann's staffers haven't been paid for a month.

The Star Tribune says Bachmann taps into repeat donations.

Bachmann also defended her health care policy during an appearance in Iowa.

Bachmann says Herman Cain flip-flops on policy.

The New York Times says Cain came to Washington D.C. as a lobbyist.

Ron Paul calls for the end to federal student loan program.

The Daily Digest (GOP looks at Legacy $ for stadium, Competitive bidding saves $240(m), Group releases redistricting plan)

Posted at 6:27 AM on October 21, 2011 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR is reporting that there is increasing talk among Republicans in the House and Senate that the Arts and Cultural Heritage money raised from Legacy Amendment money should be used to pay for the Vikings stadium.

WCCO takes a look at why Gov. Dayton wants a "Walk Away clause" in the Vikings stadium deal.

Fox9 says two lawmakers hold a news conference today to urge the Vikings to take the Metrodome for $1. The Vikings rejected the idea.

The city of Foley will hire a private security firm to patrol city streets. City officials say they made the move because of state budget cuts.

Minnesota's jobless rate dropped to 6.9% but employers cut 7,400 jobs.

The U.S. unemployment rate also dropped slightly.

MPR profiles Kathy Tunheim - an unelected, unpaid adviser to Gov. Dayton on job creation.

Gov. Dayton spoke to the Duluth Chamber of Commerce on Thursday night.

The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board voted Thursday to cut in half the amount to be given back to taconite plants for reinvestment in their infrastructure.

Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jessen says the state will save $240 million from competitive bidding on managed care contracts.

The feds found invasive carp DNA in the Twin Cities - which could spark a political battle on how to handle the fish.

Dayton also riled up union members at the Education Minnesota conference.

Redistricting

Draw the Line Minnesota submitted a redistricting plan that shakes up the state's political boundaries.

Congress

The Senate voted to block votes on the Jobs bill.

The Washington Post's Fact-Checker said Vice-President Biden's claims on rising rape rates is false.

The federal government released rules on how the federal health care law will work.

The Washington Post reports that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's compelling family story embellishes facts.

Tidbit: Rubio is considered a possible candidate for vice-president

DFL Sen. Al Fanken successfully attached an amendment to a bill that would change the No Child Left Behind standards. Franken says the measure would better gauge student results.

GOP Rep. John Kline says he'll support efforts to bar the EPA from regulating farm dust.

Libya

Moammar Gadhafi, Libya's dictator for 42 years until he was ousted in an uprising-turned-civil war, was killed Thursday.

U.S. Senate Race

Republican Dan Severson tells the St. Cloud Times that he raised $37,500 in the 3rd Quarter.

Party Politics

David Fitzsimmons dropped his bid to be Deputy Chair of the Minnesota Republican Party. Fitzsimmons, the 6th District Chair, also served as Tom Emmer's campaign manager in the 2010 election. He sent an e-mail to GOP delegates on Thursday night.

Race for President

Politico says the Iowa landscape tempts Mitt Romney.

The New York Times says Romney will compete in Iowa.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke to the Commonwealth Club of California on Thursday.

Bachmann says the world is better off without Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Bachmann, however, stands by her position that the U.S. should not have had any military involvement in the country.

The Des Moines Register posts five questions with Bachmann.

Bachmann and Rick Santorum hammer Herman Cain on his abortion comments.

Cain tweaked his 9-9-9 plan.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:57 AM on October 20, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where Dayton says he'll release a stadium plan by early November, we look at how Minnesota cities are saving cash facing cuts in state aid, and Bachmann comes home for a fundraiser.

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton says be plans to have his perferred stadium plan released by the second week in November.

Dayton also met yesterday with Block E developer Bob Lux.

Short of state aid, Grand Rapids is finding new ways to save cash.

Meanwhile, Foley, Minn., is outsourcing its security to save $80,000.

A tight state budget could mean public sector job losses.

The new federal health care law faces a court date in Minnesota today.

The Associated Press reports that Dayton has applied for more federal education grants.

Minnesota hospitals are applauding an Obama administration decision to cut red tape in Medicare and Medicaid.

One in 17 bridges in the Twin Cities is "structurally deficient," according to a new report.

Rep. Tim Walz was in the state Tuesday touring conservation land.

U.S. Senate candidate Joe Arwood raised $10,534 over the last three months. He wants the Republican endorsement to run against Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who made nearly $1 million in the same period of time.

In Washington

Rep. Betty McCollum hosted a meeting about the Vikings stadium in Washington, D.C.

Former Minnesota Attorney General Hubert "Skip" Humphrey III is joining the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

After failing a procedural vote last week, Politico reports that the Senate is poised to take up part of President Barack Obama's jobs bill again this week.

On the Campaign Trail

A new Associated Press poll shows that half of Americans say that Obama doesn't deserve to be re-elected.

The Washington Post reports that, between his campaign and the Democratic National Committee, Obama raised more money from financial sector employees than all the other GOP candidates.

Rep. Michele Bachmann is among the GOP presidential candidates who wants to build a fence on the nation's southern border. But it could be very costly. The GOP's talk about immigration may alienate some Hispanic voters, the New York Times reports.

Bachmann will be in Minnesota for a fundraising event later this month.

She picked up an endorsement after the debate in Nevada.

For his part, Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley says he's not going to endorse any of the GOP candidates.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry will include a flat tax in his economic plan.

Sparks flew between Perry and Mitt Romney during Tuesday's GOP debate. But the two have never had a good relationship, according to the New York Times.

The Associated Press put claims from the Tuesday night GOP debate to the truth test.

Politico reports that Nevada will likely have its caucus in Feburary, possibly the 4th.

To Tickle Your Funny Bone

Do these videos make you laugh as much as they make me laugh? If so, read this interview with the Bad Lip Reading creator.

The Daily Digest (NFL suggests Vikes could leave if no deal, Is gambling an option?, Budget change may raise rents)

Posted at 6:29 AM on October 19, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

On Tuesday, the NFL increased the pressure on Minnesota's policy makers to get a stadium deal done for the Vikings. NFL executive Eric Grubman suggested on Tuesday that inaction on the stadium front could force the team to leave Minnesota.

You can listen to Dayton and Grubman here.

Dayton also told MPR's Morning Edition that if lawmakers 'duck this' the Vikings could leave.

MPR says one financing option that continues to come up is expanded gambling.

Dayton also held a jobs summit in St. Cloud on Tuesday.

MPR says property taxes are poised to push up rents in Minnesota. The change is due to a change to the state's change in property taxes.

MPR says the Ramsey County Medical Examiner is at the center of a legal challenge by Alfonso Rodriguez Jr.

The Pi Press says 1 in 17 Twin Cities bridges is structurally deficient.

Minnesota submitted an application for a 'Race to the Top' grant.

MnSCU will formally install their new chancellor today.

Special Elections

Democrats Chris Eaton and Jeff Hayden won special elections in two MN Senate seats. The seats were held by Democrats so it won't change the political makeup of the Senate.

Hayden is a sitting state representative so Gov. Dayton will have to call a special election to replace him for January 10. A primary, if needed, will take place on December 6.

Tidbit: Women Winning will endorse Susan Allen in 61B today.

Congress

With five weeks to go, there's no consensus on the deficit panel.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unannounced trip to Libya.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen goes to bat for the state's medical device industry.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack wants to put the brakes on a light rail line.

Paulsen will highlight women's owned businesses.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and former Gov. Tim Pawlenty are headed to Tunisia to monitor the elections in that country.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz talked jobs and government spending at a Congress on your Corner event.

Race for President

President Obama looks South to help his bid to keep his job.

Republicans at a GOP debate focused their fire on Herman Cain.

Mitt Romney and Rick Perry tussled in the debate.

MPR takes a look at GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's fundraising and finds that grassroots support may not be enough.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:42 AM on October 18, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the Vikings Stadium gets a deadline, Bachmann and Trump team up for a conference call, and Obama sells his jobs plan, campaign style.

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton set a deadline of Nov. 23 to act on the Vikings Stadium. Dayton is scheduled to meet today with officials from the National Football League to discuss the stadium.

Dayton will be interviewed by Cathy Wurzer at 7:15 a.m. this morning.

Later in the day, Dayton will convene a regional economic development summit in St. Cloud.

Last night, Dayton asked the state's business leaders to help his administration solve problems facing the state.

Minnesota is gaining from North Dakota's growing economy.

There are two special elections today.

In Washington

Agricultural committee leaders in Congress are recommending $23 billion in cuts to farm programs.

The loss of one farm subsidy could lead to another.

The Occupy Wall Street protests are one-month old.

The Big Story Blog has been following the protests.

Citigroup's earnings are up 74 percent since last year.

The Obama administration considered a cyberoffensive against the Qaddafi government.

Obama talks jobs in North Carolina and Virginia, two states he narrowly won in 2008. He'll continue his tour today, setting the tone for the 2012 election.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann and real estate mogul Donald Trump got together for a teleconference with supporters. You can hear the entire thing here.

Trump said he didn't know he was participating until a reporter told him.

The Washington Post highlights winners and losers in the 3rd quarter fundraising cycle. Bachmann is mentioned.

In Arizona, Bachmann applauded local officials for their efforts to control illegal immigration.

The New York Times says she's trying to reconnect in Iowa.

Ron Paul details his plan to cut federal dollars.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry's use of a private jet is raising concerns, according to the Times.

Herman Cain spent more than $36,000 in campaign dollars to buy copies of his book from his company.

ABC reports that, while a crowd in Nevada was excited to see Mitt Romney, it was his surrogate, Tim Pawlenty, who got the crowed pumped up.

The Iowa GOP Party's State Central Committee approved a motion to hold Iowa's caucuses on Jan. 3. New Hampshire is the only state without a date for its nominating event.

Jeff Anderson, who is seeking the DFL's endorsement in the 8th Congressional District, has secured an endorsement from the Minnesota Firefighters.

The Daily Digest (Key week for Vikes, Changes to property tax change? Bachmann's fundraising)

Posted at 6:37 AM on October 17, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

This is a key week to decide whether the state Legislature is called into a special session to finance a Vikings stadium. Gov. Dayton meets with legislative leaders today, NFL officials tomorrow and Vikings owner Zygi Wilf on Wednesday.

Dayton speaks tonight at the Minnesota Business Partnership's Annual Dinner.

Forum Communications says House Republicans are looking to fix the repeal of the Market Value Homestead Credit but said they are not ready to say what the changes will look like.

No birds for Gov. Dayton at the Pheasant Opener. GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers got one bird.

Occupy MN

Officers removed tents from the Occupy MN site.

Occupy Wall St. protests went global over the weekend.

Same-Sex Marriage Amendment

The Star Tribune says the Bishops are beginning the fight over the constitutional amendment.

Congress

GOP Rep. John Kline suggests Pell Grant cuts to the Super Committee.

Race for Senate

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar reports raising $1 million in the 3rd Quarter. She has $4 million in the bank.

Tidbit: The FEC's site doesn't show a report from Republican Dan Severson.

DFL Sen. Al Franken spoke before the Oregon Democratic Party on Saturday.

Race for Congress

A supporter of Jeff Anderson says The International Association of Fire Fighters will announce today that they will back Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson's bid for Congress.

Rick Nolan won a straw poll at the 8th Congressional District fundraiser but only 36 of the 200 DFL activists who were present voted.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack raised $206k in the 3rd Quarter.

Race for Legislature

The Star Tribune says the race for the Legislature is heating up.

Race for President

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann raised $3.9 million in the 3rd Quarter. She has $1.3 million in the bank but also reported more than $500k in debts.

Tidbit: Bachmann spent $37,500 to have country music star Randy Travis perform at the Iowa Straw Poll. Bachmann won that event.

Bachmann says Donald Trump will take part in tonight's tele-town hall.

Tidbit: Bachmann is in Arizona today taking part in a border security round table.

MPR talks with a few of Bachmann supporters who insist the race is not over.

MPR takes a look at Bachmann's jobs plan.

Bachmann's House spokesman is leaving for another job in the U.S. House.

Herman Cain said some Americans would see a tax increase under his 9-9-9 plan.

He also said building an electric fence was a joke.

AP takes a look at Herman Cain's relationship to the Koch brothers.

Roll Call reports that South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint may back Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney's rise challenges the clout of the Tea Party.

Rick Perry takes a military style tack to protect the border.

Tim Pawlenty has $453k in campaign debt.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Reform 2.0, Is a stadium special session likely? Will Iowans give Bachmann a second look?

Posted at 6:32 AM on October 14, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR reports that businesses across rural Minnesota are concerned about the changes to the Market Value Homestead Credit. The change could result in dramatic tax increases for some business owners.

You can read more about the business tax shift here.

Tidbit: An awful lot of GOP lawmakers are sending out e-mail to constituents explaining the change - a clear sign that they're hearing criticism about it.

MPR takes a look at Reform 2.0 - an effort by GOP legislators to get ideas for the next legislation. Critics say it's their way of getting affirmation for a partisan agenda instead of addressing the needs of the state.

Gov. Dayton was in Washington D.C. on Thursday. He spoke to SuperCommittee members in Washington D.C. on Thursday. He and other Democratic governors urged the committee to not pass Medicaid cuts on to the states.

The U of M will honor Gov. Dayton as an "Advocate of the year."

MnSCU's enrollment slips.

Dayton will attend the Governor's Pheasant Opener tomorrow in Montevideo.

Vikings Stadium

KSTP says the Vikings face bigger obstacles than the stadium report.

The Star Tribune says the prospects of a special session are an "uphill push."

ProFootball Talk says more than two other communities have contacted the Vikings about moving the team to another state.

Congress

President Obama says Iran has to be held accountable for what he characterized as a "reckless plot."

Speaker Boehner challenged Obama on the jobs bill during a recent telephone conversation.

Senate Republicans released their own jobs plan.

NPR says the Super Committees silence may be a sign of progress.

The CEO of Solyndra resigned.

Republicans are pushing back against the EPA. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen, DFL Rep. Collin Peterson and DFL Rep. Betty McCollum are mentioned.

The House passed a bill that would reduce access to abortions.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar rolls out a medical device bill. MPR reports that Klobuchar and Paulsen are pushing bills that would allow medical device companies to get their products to market. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is also mentioned.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz returned from a trip to Aghanistan. He was on a fact-finding trip on how concussions are being treated.

Walz will campaign in Austin next week.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is calling for a probe on bank fees.

Special Elections

Democrats Jeff Hayden and Chris Eaton are leading their opponents in the money race. Special elections are held on Tuesday for the Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center districts.

Race for Congress

Democrat Tarryl Clark raised $228k in the third quarter. She has $235k in the bank.

AFSCME targets GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack in a new ad buy.

The DFL candidates in the 8th will participate in a forum in Hibbing on Saturday.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson has $609k heading into 2012.

Race for President

Bob Vander Plaats, with the Iowa Family Leader, told MPR News that GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann could be poised to make a comeback. He said conservatives disappointed in Rick Perry are giving Bachmann a second look.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is campaigning in northwestern Iowa.

She dropped hints that she raised roughly $4 million in the 3rd Quarter.
The New York Times takes a look at Bachmann's years at Oral Roberts.

Tom Emmer will speak at Ron Paul's St. Cloud event. No word on whether he's endorsing Paul.

Norm Coleman will lead a new SuperPAC.

Tidbit: Mitt Romney's campaign sent out a fundraising e-mail last night that said Norm Coleman will co-host a Twin Cities fundraiser for Romney in November. Tim Pawlenty said earlier this week that he was the other co-host.

AP says Romney is quietly working for an Iowa Caucus surprise.

Romney targeted China in his speech on the economy.

The Washington Post says Rick Perry is losing steam.

The Fix says there is a path to victory for Herman Cain.

More people will pay more in Cain's 9-9-9 plan.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:08 AM on October 13, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where the Met Council considers taking 3M to court, we look at some of the state's economic factors, and Congress approves long-stalled trade deals.

Around Minnesota

The Metropolitan Council is considering taking 3M to court for discharging chemicals into the environment.

The budget deal could drive-up rent.

Twin Cities home prices fell again last month.

Home forclosures throughout the state are down.

The Twin Cities area has the nation's largest unemployment disparity rate between black and white people.

While Minnesota's job growth continues to outpace the nation's during the economic recovery, the state's median income is dropping.

Ely Mayor Roger Skraba, Two Harbors Mayor Randy Bolen and Cloquet Mayor Bruce Ahlgren endorsed Jeff Anderson's bid for Congress.

Gov. Mark Dayton will be attending a National Governors Association Executive Committee meeting this morning. In the afternoon, Dayton will be meeting with deficit "super committee" and with White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley to discuss job creation.

The Vikings Stadium

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf says a 200-page report issued by the Metropolitan Council Wednesday is a road map to the team's new stadium in Arden Hills.

In Washington

The federal government wants some counties and other voting jurisdictions to provide bilingual ballots.

Congress approved three trade deals. Most of the Minnesota delegation voted in favor of them.

Rep. Michele Bachmann was there to vote for them - her first appearance on the House floor since Aug. 1.

Rep. Keith Ellison is echoing calls from the Occupy Wall Street activists to end corporate greed.

Anti-abortion groups will push for legislation in every state that requires women to and hear the fetal heartbeat before having an abortion - legislation similar to a bill Bachmann recently introduced.

Three hikers held in Iran visited Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar in Washington, D.C.

Warren Buffett made $62,855,038 last year.

Agricultural committee leaders in Congress are close to a deal on cutting farm subsidies.

On the Campaign Trail

WomenWinning is sponsoring a fundraiser for Tarryl Clark on Oct. 27.

Powerful Republicans are rallying around Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Over the summer, President Barack Obama raised $70 million between his re-election campaign and the Democratic party.

Bachmann is headed back to Iowa, where she'll highlight her jobs plan.

She's meeting today with Donald Trump - their third get-together since April.

Two political analysts sized-up the presidential campaign on Midday.

New polls!

A Wall Street Journal/NBC poll shows Herman Cain in the lead with 27 percent. Mitt Romney has 23 percent and Rick Perry gets 16 percent. Politico writes that this is a big gain for Cain, who had 5 percent support the last time the poll was conducted.

Stats guru Nate Silver tweets, "Another fresh GOP poll -- YouGov/Economist (Oct. 8-11): Cain 33, Romney 18, Perry 10, Gingrich 9, Paul 7."

Cain's 9-9-9 plan would raise taxes on the middle class.

The New York Times looks at the origins of Cain's tax proposal.

A super PAC wants to feature candidates in ads. According to campaign finance law, they're allowed to run issues ads.

A Wisconsin lawmaker wants to change the way the state awards electoral votes, according to the Associated Press.

Shout Out

To Paul Tosto, who's launched a new blog over here at MPR called the Big Story. The mission is simple: to chase the big story of the day, all day.

Find it here.

The Daily Digest (Report says stadium timeline aggressive, Republicans debate, Pawlenty speaks)

Posted at 7:47 AM on October 12, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Met Council and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission are scheduled to release a report this morning that says the timeline to build the Vikings stadium is too aggressive. It also said there is the potential for millions of dollars in cost overruns.

MPR was the first news outlet to obtain a copy of the report. You can read it here.

Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett and Vikings lobbyist Lester Bagley say the report shouldn't harm their efforts to build the stadium in Arden Hills.

Tidbit: Gov. Dayton isn't commenting on the report until it's released this AM. Neither is GOP Sen. Julie Rosen, the stadium author.

The Ramsey County Charter Commission also voted last night to not require a vote to approve the half cent sales tax.

Under the Dome

Gov. Dayton will be in Washington D.C. today to attend the National Governor's Association executive council meeting.

The state revoked a mental health center's license after suicides.

Congress

Senate Republicans voted to kill President Obama's jobs plan.

Minnesota's delegation is split over how they'll vote on the free trade agreements.

Race for President

Mitt Romney defends support of Wall St. in a debate in New Hampshire.

Here's a look at some of the key moments of the debate.

The PoliGraph fact-checked the debate.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann released her jobs plan.

There are more details on Ron Paul's visit to St. Cloud.

Rick Perry declined to disavow a pastor that said Romney isn't a Christian and that Mormonism is a cult.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is backing Mitt Romney.

Pawlenty says Romney will get a big boost from Christie's endorsement. Pawlenty was on MPR's Midday on Tuesday. You can listen to the show and his follow up q and a with reporters here.

Pawlenty also said he's not sure if he's done with politics yet and suggested he listened to much to his handlers.

Pawlenty will hold a fundraiser for Romney in Minneapolis in November.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:18 AM on October 11, 2011 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where we get a first look at Pawlenty's portrait, the Senate readies for a vote on the jobs bill, and we get a preview of tonight's GOP debate.

Around Minnesota

An elections official involved in the 2000 redistricting process said he thinks the current process will be decided by the courts again.

Brian Barnes, a businessman and Navy Reserve veteran from Edina, is seeking the DFL endorsement to run against Rep. Erik Paulsen in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.

American Crystal Sugar Co. workers and officials may meet for a second time with a federal mediator.

Minnesota Republican Party Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb is resigning from his position to serve as an adviser to State Senator Mike Parry's campaign for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District.

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be on Midday at 11 a.m. today.

His portrait was unveiled at the Capitol last night.

At the event, Pawlenty said he might have stayed in the GOP nomination race longer.

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson apologized for characterizing the OccupyMN protesters as "socialists, anarchists, flower children" who were "very messy."

Community activists want the Minneapolis Public Schools board to stop the district from banking with Wells Fargo.

A Ramsey County commission may decide tonight to put a tax proposal to fund the Vikings Stadium on the 2012 ballot.

State budget officials are projecting another budget deficit, but they also say that tax collections were higher than expected in the first quarter of the 2012 fiscal year.

Iowa

West Liberty, a small town in Iowa, is the first to have a majority Hispanic population.

In Washington

The Senate is due to hold a procedural vote today on President Barack Obama's jobs bill.

It looks like the U.S. has avoided a second recession, at least for now.

The deficit "supercommittee" is struggling.

On the Campaign Trail

Tonight is the Washington-Post Bloomberg Debate. It will focus on the economy.

The WaPo says that Texas Gov. Rick Perry has the most at stake in the debate.

Expect a new poll conducted by the WaPo and Bloomberg that shows voters think Rep. Michele Bachmann would do the most damage the economy to be a topic of discussion.

The WaPo's Factchecker provides a guide to the "most dubious things that presidential candidates say."

And here's a list of five things to watch for during the debate.

Bachmann got the New Hampshire treatment during a campaign stop there.

She's well-known in New Hampshire, but has few supporters, according to a new poll.

Bachmann's beefing up her staff in South Carolina.

Bachmann "will basically be setting up camp and almost living in Iowa until the Iowa caucuses," according one of her Iowa campaign chairs.

Bloomberg News visits Stillwater to learn more about Bachmann.

Bachmann's call to slash spending and reduce regulation may be easier said than done.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Bachmann closes VA office, Dayton visits NW MN, Pawlenty portrait released)

Posted at 6:37 AM on October 10, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton will visit the fire in northwestern Minnesota and will then hold an economic summit in Thief River Falls today.

Dayton held a similar summit on Friday in Duluth on Friday.

Dayton will host a breakfast on Tuesday at the Governor's Residence for the Minnesota Lynx. The team won the WNBA Championship on Friday night.

Dayton will attend the governor's first pheasant opener in Montevideo next Saturday.

The arrest of a Human Services worker is raising alarms about how Minnesota cares for the state's most vulnerable.

The Pi Press reports that Minnesota's child care ranks among the least affordable in the country.

Forum Communications says local government officials are preparing for property taxpayers' blast.

A Mankato based "green" recycling company that received government subsidies went bankrupt.

Mining

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack held a meeting on Friday to discuss the PolyMet permits. Wild Rice may pose a problem for the permit approval.

Frac sand operations proliferate in the Winona area.

Occupy Wall St.

The protests will continue at Hennepin County government center.

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura helped kick off the protest in Minnesota.

Protests are popping up all around the country.

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson called the protesters "anarchists, socialists and flower children."

Vikings Stadium

The Star Tribune says the Vikings are worried about a feasibility study that the state will release this week.

Europe

France and Belgium agree to nationalize the troubled Dexia bank.

German and French leaders are also promising a blueprint this month that will help ease the crisis.

Congress

60 Minutes interviews General Electric President Jeffrey Immelt. President Obama charged Immelt with figuring out to get U.S. firms hiring again.

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-WI, says he sees a possible compromise on corporate taxes.

The New York Times says U.S. incomes continue to fall even though the recession ended.

House Republicans may start issuing subpoenas in the Fast and the Furious case.

The PoliGraph says GOP Rep. John Kline's Twitter claim on President Obama's jobs record could use deeper context.

Kline dismissed criticism of his labor bill.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Wisconsin's changes to collective bargaining could be a national model.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum wrote an op-ed saying her GOP counterparts want to bust unions.

McCollum says it's time to end the war in Afghanistan.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will discuss humanitarian efforts in Libya today at the U of M's Humphrey School.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen was glitter bombed on Friday.

Race for Congress

GOP state Sen. Mike Parry says he'll challenge DFL Rep. Tim Walz.

Democrat Brian Barnes will announce today that he's going to challenge GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen. Barnes is also running ads with the hopes of gaining DFL support.

Race for the President

President Obama's numbers in the key state of Pennsylvania are getting no better.

The Washington Post says the GOP field is vague on solutions for the economy.

Politico says Rick Perry's immigration problem is growing.

The New York Times says Perry will start running TV ads criticizing Romney.

One of the ads accuses Romney of flip-flopping on RomneyCare.

Former Sen. Judd Gregg, R-NH, signs up with Romney's team today.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachman closed her Virginia office.

AP also reports that Bachmann said the debt ceiling fight has kept her out of New Hampshire. The vote on the issue was on August 2.

Bachmann sidestepped questions on CNN as to whether Mitt Romney is a Christian and refused to say whether she intends to make another run for Congress.

Politico says Romney's Mormon issue has returned to the campaign.

Herman Cain won the Midwest Republican Leadership Conference's Straw Poll. Bachmann got second.

Ron Paul won the Straw Poll at the Values Voter Summit. Bachman got fifth despite making the hard sell to religious conservatives at the event.

The Daily Beast asks whether Bachmann can make it to the Iowa Caucuses.

Reuters says Bachmann vows to fight on despite her drop in the polls.

Bachmann also sat down with Fox News on Friday.

Bachmann says her personal finances are $1.28 million but she couldn't say how much she'll make from her book.

Pawlenty

Tim Pawlenty will attend the unveiling of his official portrait tonight.

Pawlenty will be on MPR's Midday on Tuesday.

Pawlenty will also speak at the Gridiron Club.

Pawlenty will be on NBC's Meet the Press next week.

The Daily Digest (State faces another budget deficit, Bachmann speaks to Values Voters, Some Republicans work to defeat amendment)

Posted at 6:13 AM on October 7, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

State Economist Tom Stinson told MPR News that Minnesota is likely to face another budget deficit when the November forecast is released.

"It's going to be difficult, maybe even impossible, for us to not have a shortfall in November," Stinson said.

State budget cuts are forcing a southeast Minnesota dental clinic that serves the needy to close its doors.

Gov. Dayton holds a jobs summit in Duluth today.

Tidbit: Dayton is also scheduled to speak to AFSCME's annual convention. The event is closed press.

Debt collections businesses have been fined.

The extension service closes offices.

The National Guard has been called in to help fight a fire in northwestern MN.

St. Paul property taxes go down for a few but up for many.

3M found elevated levels of PFCs in Woodbury wells.

Same-sex marriage amendment

Several prominent Republicans join the effort to defeat the marriage amendment.

Redistricting

The MN House Redistricting Chair says there is still time for the Legislature to pass a map into law.

The Minnesota Redistricting case will be argued on January 4.

Occupy Wall St.

CNN asks whether the group is the Tea Party to the left.

The Occupy Wall St. protests come to Minnesota today. MPR's Midday did a show on the group on Thursday.

Congress

President Obama challenges Republicans on the jobs bill.

Obama's jobs bill may offer hope for Minnesota's unemployed.

Some of Obama's claims miss some evidence.

The federal loans chief resigns amid the Solyndra crisis.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid invoked the "nuclear option" to end repeat filibusters.

The Obama Administration plans to accelerate the permit process for a Wisconsin-Minnesota power line.

There's a mad scramble to analyze the "Volcker rule."

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann rolls out a fetal heartbeat bill.

The head of the AFL-CIO criticized GOP Rep. John Kline's labor bill.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison supports the Wall St. protesters.

Race for President

Mitt Romney is rounding up support from key GOP donors.

A poll shows Herman Cain is surging.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison urged his Twitter followers to look at Cain's record.

"Do not dismiss Herman Cain," Ellison wrote. "Given his recent surge, he deserves real scrutiny. You'd be shocked if you examined what he stands for."

The Washington Post has this look at Cain.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann speaks to the Values Voters Summit tonight.

The Atlantic says it will be her last pitch to the religious right.

Bachmann continues to attack Rick Perry - saying he used a jobs fund to reward his backers.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:14 AM on October 6, 2011 by Catharine Richert (4 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

It's Thursday at the Daily Digest, where state officials are once again postponing mineral exploration leases, congressional progressives hone their image, and we say goodbye to a technological visionary and a civil rights leader.

Around Minnesota

The House GOP will hold a Reform 2.0 meeting in Worthington today.

Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, is raising concerns about the possible misuse of the state's Driver and Vehicle Services database.

The Obama administration wants to fast-track a high-voltage power line between Hampton, Minn. and LaCrosse, Wis.

Rep. Chip Cravaack is in Duluth a lot these days after being criticized for not being there enough.

People up north are learning that they may not own the minerals beneath their land.

Meanwhile, state officials have delayed for a second time the approval of 94 leases to explore for minerals in northeastern Minnesota.

Last year, Minnesota lost more technology jobs than the rest of the country.

The developers behind Target Field say they're ready to make another pitch for the Minnesota Vikings.

In Washington

Rep. Keith Ellison is trying to turn the Congressional Progressive Caucus into a liberal version of the Republican Study Committee.

Rep. John Kline has introduced a bill that would block new union election rules. The bill comes as the GOP seeks to make unionization an election issue, the Star Tribune writes.

The PoliGraph says that Rep. Erik Paulsen's claim about three trade deals is inconclusive.

Rep. Collin Peterson is promoting a bill that would help dairy farmers.

Senate Democrats have proposed a new way to pay for President Barack Obama's $447 billion jobs plan: a 5 percent surtax on millionaires.

A U.S. House committee approved legislation to allow construction of a new $700 million bridge crossing the St. Croix River near Stillwater.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants to make the visa process easier.

Related

California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill that would have allowed child care workers to unionize. An effort to unionize child care workers is afoot in Minnesota as well.

MPR says that Dayton is still considering a union vote for child care workers.

On the Campaign Trail

In case you were still wondering, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin won't be running for president.

Rep. Michele Bachmann via Twitter: "Gov. Palin is a friend & I think the world of her. She is an important voice in our movement & has many opportunities ahead."

The latest polling numbers are here. Mitt Romney's back on top, and Bachmann's still in the single digits.

The GOP presidential candidates are framing their foreign policy positions with the economy in mind, reports the Associated Press.

Bachmann says she would reinstate Don't Ask, Don't Tell if she is made president.

A new poll shows that a majority of voters oppose Texas's short-lived requirement that girls get the HPV vaccine unless they got a waiver.

The numbers are starting to trickle in. Texas Gov. Rick Perry will report raising roughly $17 million in the third quarter of the fundraising cycle. And that's coming from just 22,000 donors.

With those numbers, Politico predicts Perry will be in it for a while.

Rep. Ron Paul will report more than $8 million next week from more than 100,000 supporters. Not a shabby haul.

Cravaack gets another assist from Norm Coleman's American Action Network.

Nevada has set its caucuses for Jan. 14.

A Rochester button company has a good record when it comes to predicting the winner of political elections. On track to win the GOP nomination so far? Ron Paul.

Finally

RIP Steve Jobs. I played Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego on one of these back in the day.

RIP Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, civil rights leader.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Fight over mineral rights, parties line up arguments over redistricting, Bachmann says 'I agree' to impeachment suggestion)

Posted at 6:40 AM on October 5, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton and other members of the state's Executive Council hold a hearing today to discuss the issue of mineral rights on private land. MPR looks at how the state Department of Natural Resources has offered four mining companies the lease rights to the minerals beneath the homes of people in northern Minnesota. The Star Tribune says it's a last ditch effort by the landowners to stop the leases.

Proposed Ely mine hired firms to prep the project for review.

Gov. Dayton's jobs summit will be held on October 25.

The Pi Press reports that 21 people have been laid off at the Department of Human Services.

The Pi Press also says the public was a no show on MnDOT's 50 year vision.

Senate Higher Ed Chair Michelle Fischbach and other Republicans will visit some of the state's higher education institutions today.

Redistricting

The five-judge panel takes another round of public testimony tonight. The court kicked off the first of its eight public hearings in Bloomington last night. MPR takes a look at one of the main battles between Democrats and Republicans: the definition of communities of interest.

Same-sex marriage amendment

The Campaign Finance Board says groups working on ballot initiatives have to provider greater information when it comes to disclosure. Supporters of the amendment say they won't oblige.

Vikings Stadium

The Legislature is waiting for the stadium feasibility study.

Ramsey County Medical Examiner

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office will further review a case involving the medical examiner's disputed testimony.

Congress

Fed Chair Ben Bernanke told Congress that sluggish growth is ahead for the economy.

Congress voted to keep the lights on - for now.

President Obama singles out House Majority Leader Eric Cantor as the obstacle to passing the jobs bill.

Republicans are accusing Attorney General Eric Holder of misleading Congress and are looking to appoint a special counsel to investigate him.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack wrote on Twitter that he supports the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Holder.

Drug abusers are exploiting the Medicare drug benefit.

A poll says the well off are ok with raising taxes.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen makes the pitch for the Free Trade Agreements.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is praising the "Occupy Wall St." campers.

DFL Sen. Al Franken is sponsoring legislation that would allow consumers to sue their cell phone carrier.

The feds find money for the state's wolf control program. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

Race for Congress

Daniel Fanning is the 4th Democrat to announce he's running in Minnesota's 8th District.

Race for President

New Jersey Chris Christie says he won't run (again).

Politico says Christie's exit means it's "Mitt's moment" to lock up the nomination.

Romney ripped Rick Perry on Social Security at a Florida retirement home.

Romney will give a foreign policy speech on Friday.

Perry reportedly raised $15 million in the last quarter.

A CBS poll shows Perry sliding and Herman Cain rising.

CBS News is reporting that GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann told a member of the audience in Iowa that "I agree" when he suggested Congress impeach President Obama. Bachmann's spokeswoman later said she doesn't agree with the impeachment of the president but agrees that people are "frustrated."

Bachmann arrived late to a fundraising event in Iowa. She arrived only after a group of Grinnell students were cordoned off from the event.

Bachmann also said her staff changes were planned.

Politico reports that Sarah Palin's law firm is calling several states to ask about filing deadlines.

A few Pawlenty supporters in Florida are now backing Romney.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:08 AM on October 4, 2011 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to Tuesday's Daily Digest, where we get a preview of the redistricting battle, we have another candidate in the 8th Congressional district, and we learn that Rep. Michele Bachmann is losing her pollster and a top adviser.

Around Minnesota

A court-appointed panel will hold a hearing on the best way to redraw the state's political boundaries. MPR reports that the political parties are relying on third party groups to raise unlimited amounts of cash for redistricting. The fundraising does not have to be disclosed.

Daniel Fanning, who worked for Sen. Al Franken, is looking to defeat Rep. Chip Cravaack in the 8th.

A survey predicts layoffs are coming to Minnesota's factories.

Two state senators lay out their views on efforts to unionize child care workers.

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office will do further investigation into a case involving medical examiner's false testimony.

A $1.9 million federal grant will boost mining and steel businesses in Northeastern Minnesota.

In Washington

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid says his chamber will vote on President Barack Obama's jobs bill later this month (even though they don't have the votes at the moment).

House leaders say voting on the entire package is a no-go.

Reps. John Kline and Collin Peterson have introduced a bill to control the cormorant population.

Reps. Erik Paulsen and Jim Gerlach say a new medical device tax could cost 40,000 jobs.

Rep. Keith Ellison talks about his trip to the Middle East.

A schism over climate change is forming within the Republican party.

Administration officials have worried about Solyndra, the now defunct solar equipment manufacturer that got government loans, for a while.

The White House is asking Congress to approve three long-awaited free trade deals.

On the Campaign Trail

Bachmann is losing two top staffers.

Doug Sachtleben, her congressional press secretary who transferred to the campaign several months ago, is back in Washington as is her scheduler, Kimberley Rubin.

Despite the shake-up, Bachmann's announced a New Hampshire bus tour starting Sunday, Oct. 9.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry spent tens of millions in taxpayer money to bring mortgage companies to the state. Within four years, the banks were out of business, Associated Press reports.

Homeschoolers are becoming an important voting bloc in Iowa.

More than half of Americans think a Republican will win the White House in 2012.

Obama says he's the underdog going into the 2012 campaign.

While the GOP candidates focus on early primary and caucus states, Obama's launching a 50 state strategy.

Key graf: "Having avenues of support in non-traditional Democratic patches could be the only way to victory."

Perry's gone silent on the hunting camp story.

Residents near the camp say they still support Perry.

South Carolina will bump its primary date to January 21, once again pushing the entire schedule forward.

A new Washington Post-ABC survey has Herman Cain rising in the polls.

Where Football and Politics Collide

USAToday reports that ESPN dropped Hank Williams Jr. from its Monday Night Football telecast after Williams likened Obama to Hitler.

Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian called Rep. John Kriesel, R-Cottage Grove, to apologize for comments he made on Twitter.

Moving On Up

Chris Van Guilder has been promoted to Deputy Communications Director for the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Brawl coming over health exchanges, Viking rips stadium author, Bachmann relies on small donors)

Posted at 6:53 AM on October 3, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR reports that there's a showdown coming over health insurance exchanges in Minnesota.

Gov. Dayton and GOP lawmakers continue to point fingers over the state budget deal they reached in July.

Dayton heads to North Carolina today for a Democratic Governors Association meeting. He returns to Minnesota on Tuesday.

Dayton wrapped up his Trade Mission to South Korea on Saturday.

More of Minnesota's schools are missing the mark when it comes to the federal No Child Left Behind standard.

The PoliGraph says GOP Sen. Julianne Ortman's comments on property taxes are true but need greater context.

The Star Tribune takes a look at where some of the Legacy money is going.

KSTP reports a group plans to bring the Wall St. protests to Minnesota.

The New York Times takes a look at the Voter ID laws that have passed in several states across the country.

Redistricting

A court panel will start public hearings this week.

Vikings Stadium

Vikings Wide Receiver Bernard Berrian told the co-author of the Vikings Stadium to "sit down n shut up" on Twitter after Kriesel took issue with one of Berrian's tweets that analyzed yesterday's game.

The Pi Press takes the "Vikings can go to L.A. angle."

The Star Tribune says a third Vikings stadium has emerged.

Congress

The Star Tribune reports that an anti-suicide program for the military is running low on funds.

There's a disagreement on the debt panel as to which tax breaks are worth keeping.

GOP Rep. John Kline says the debt panel needs to succeed.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is in Egypt.

Ellison also called for a probe of Supreme Court justices.

Race for Congress

AP asks whether Michele Bachmann can return to her seat in Congress.

ECM says GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack's two-state family could be an issue in the campaign.

Race for President

The Washington Post dropped a bombshell story on Rick Perry and a camp his family owned. The name of the camp had a racially charged name.

Perry worked to deflect scrutiny of the camp.

Herman Cain said Perry showed insensitivity over the name of the camp.

The New York Times says Romney tried to raise business taxes during his time as governor.

MPR wonders whether small donors can keep Bachmann in the race.

MPR also says her 3rd Quarter numbers are also under scrutiny.

Bachmann targeted Perry on immigration.

Bachmann said she had concerns over China's rising influence.

The L.A. Times says Bachmann is sputtering in Iowa.

The PoliGraph says Bachmann's claim on polling ignores the numbers.

The MNGOP is keeping the Feb. 7 date for precinct caucuses.

The Daily Digest (No Child Left Behind standards discussed, Bachmann's missed votes and Al Qaeda leader killed)

Posted at 6:44 AM on September 30, 2011 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The state's list of schools that didn't meet adequately yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind standards will be released later this morning. Check back to MPR News for a report.

The Pi Press reports that MN Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius wrote a letter to parents this week saying parents shouldn't worry if their children's schools show up on the state's watch list.

MPR reports that planned changes to the No Child Left Behind law are challenging to Minnesota educators.

Gov. Dayton wraps up his trade mission to South Korea today. He returns to Minnesota this weekend.

A state worker has been arrested in the drowning of a person in a group home.

MPR reports that gas bills could change this winter after "tiered pricing ends."

MN Commerce Chair Mike Rothman toured a solar plant on the Iron Range.

Economy

The economy is gaining but not enough to cut the nation's jobless rate.

Congress

The U.S. born Anwar al-Awlaki, a leader in Al Qaeda, was killed.

The House approved a short-term funding plan.

MPR says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is increasingly absent from Congress as she campaigns for president.

GOP Rep. John Kline criticized President Obama for his waiver plan for No Child Left Behind. Kline appeared on MPR's Midday on Thursday. You can listen to that show here.

Kline also said he's nearing completion of the Education bill.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis was in Minnesota to promote President Obama's jobs plan.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz toured a Foundry in Winona.

Banks are looking to hike fees on customers.

Race for Congress

With a fundraising deadline looming, candidates are scrambling for cash.

Race for President

The New York Times says Mitt Romney waits as the GOP flirts with alternatives.

CNN says Romney will report raising between $11 and $13 million in the last quarter.

The L.A. Times says some of President Obama's Wall St. funders have turned against him.

Rick Perry apologized for using "heartless" during the debate.

Perry also stood by his criticism of Fed Chair Ben Bernanke.

Bachmann campaigned in North Carolina.

Bachmann also condemned the Arab Spring.

A mother who's daughter suffers from e coli poisoning wrote an open letter to Bachmann saying her plan to reduce regulations for food safety is a bad idea.

The Des Moines Register says Bachmann boasts of rising polls but the numbers tell a different story.

Will he or won't he? The Newark Star-Ledger says Chris Christie is seriously considering a run for the White House.

The Wall St. Journal looks at the questions Christie will face if he runs.

Jon Huntsman bets it all on New Hampshire.

Finally

Good luck to those running the Twin Cities marathon.

Finally Finally

Go Phillies!

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:04 AM on September 29, 2011 by Catharine Richert (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where we take a look at some new GOP presidential polls, Ramsey County residents speak out on the proposed stadium deal, and we wonder how it's possible to steal hundreds of pigs.

Around Minnesota

An alternative for No Child Left Behind is still taking shape.

Last week, 37 people were arrested in Minnesota as part of a nation-wide immigration sweep.

The GOP gears up for redistricting.

The PoliGraph says state Sen. Julianne Ortman's claim about property taxes is accurate.

Rep. Tim Walz was peppered with questions while meeting with constituents in Austin.

He attended a postal worker rally in Mankato.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is recruiting Minnesota businesses to promote a crude oil pipeline from Canada to Texas.

Voters in Alexandria approved a property tax hike to pay for a new $65 million high school.

So far, fighting the fire in BWCA has cost at least $11 million.

The state's campaign finance board released a draft report detailing when groups are required to disclose donors who give in support or opposition of a ballot initiative.

Transportation officials say there is no deadline for finalizing funding plans for a new St. Croix bridge.

Mining may bring jobs to northern Minnesota - and environmental challenges as well.

On Wednesday, Ramsey County taxpayers hammered the Vikings stadium deal at a public hearing.

In Washington

The Obama administration wants the Supreme Court to uphold the new health care law.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke thinks long-term unemployment is a "national crisis."

Ron Suskind, author of Confidence Men, a book that explores dysfunction within Obama's first economic team, will be chatting with Kerri Miller on Midmorning today.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke to students at Liberty University in Virginia, a conservative Christian school.

New polls show Bachmann losing ground in Florida and Texas Gov. Rick Perry slipping into second place behind Mitt Romney.

A Fox News poll shows that 3 percent of likely Republican primary voters would like to see Bachmann as the party's nominee.

But a separate poll shows Bachmann running second to Romney in Iowa among likely caucus goers.

She'll be back in Iowa next Monday.

But she's making a stop in North Carolina first, specifically in the Charlotte area. Think banking industry and conservative voters. Perry will be there, too.

Perry apologized for saying that people who don't think in-state tuition should be given to undocumented students "don't have a heart."

It appears Perry's wife has influence on her husband's policy decisions.

New primary rules could mean the GOP nominating process will go on for months.

Politico says the calendar favors Romney.

As if the primary season isn't going to be complicated enough with Florida and now Nevada likely moving up their dates.

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura wants to be Ron Paul's running mate.

On a final note, I'm soliciting theories on how one steals hundreds of pigs.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (MCCL unhappy with budget, Bachmann all-in in Iowa and Christie flirts with POTUS run)

Posted at 6:23 AM on September 28, 2011 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota saw strong demand for nearly $800 million in general obligation and other bonds offered for competitive bids Tuesday, despite a credit downgrade last week from ratings agency Standard & Poor's.

Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life is criticizing GOP lawmakers for failing to uphold a ban on human cloning.

KARE11 reports that there's a two-month backlog for those seeking appointments for driving tests.

1,300 Minnesota marriages are same-sex.

Iron Range DFLers want the state to sue the United State Forest Service over the BWCA fire.

The Central Corridor is meeting minority hiring goals.

A laptop holding data on thousands of Fairview patients was stolen.

Communication during a tornado that hit north Minneapolis is under review.

Hennepin County proposes cuts for the third straight year.

Vikings Stadium

The Ramsey County Charter Commission holds a hearing tonight on whether a Ramsey County sales tax should include a voter referendum.

Congress

Bloomberg quotes several economists as saying President Obama's jobs bill will prevent a recession in 2012.

Congress dodges a shutdown after a fight over disaster aid.

The U.S. criticized Israel for building new housing units in east Jerusalem.

The New York Times says those cleared on crimes can stay on the FBI's watch list.

U.S Health insurance costs increased sharply.

Some U.S. officials says Admiral Mullen's words on Pakistan were overstated.

One in five same-sex couples in the nation are married.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will hold a news conference in Minneapolis on Thursday to push for President Obama's jobs bill.

Postal workers rallied across the state and country to protest massive cuts to the U.S. Postal Service.

OnStar has decided not to track or sell customer data after DFL Sen. Al Franken and others criticized the company.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says "America's best days are ahead" in an op-ed.

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack says he opposes a high-speed rail plan from Minneapolis to Duluth.

Race for Congress

Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson picked up another round of Iron Range support. Anderson announced in a news release that Jerry Janezich, Ron Dicklich, Kim Stokes and Gary Cerkvenik all announced they're backing his campaign.

Race for U.S. Senate

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is holding a round table with seniors today in St. Paul.

Republican Dan Severson is trying to raise $20,000 to end the 3rd Quarter. To put that in context, Klobuchar raised an average of $10,777 per day in the 2nd Quarter.

Race for President

The top political strategist for Obama acknowledges a "titanic struggle" for his re-election.

AP says Rick Perry and Mitt Romney are the GOP's money men.

Bachmann's campaign manager says Bachmann "has to win Iowa."

The presentation came a day after Bachmann said "Sure, we can turn things around."

ABC News says Rick Santorum is speaking with key aides in Bachmann's camp.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie sidestepped questions about a possible run for POTUS.

Florida may move the state's primary to January 31 which would cause problems for the carefully scheduled nominating calendar.

It looks like Ron Paul's November campaign stop in Minnesota will be in St. Cloud.

Party politics

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will headline the DFL's Founders Day Dinner.

A presidential straw poll is planned for the Minnesota GOP event.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:53 AM on September 27, 2011 by Catharine Richert (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Welcome to the Daily Digest, where officials explain property tax increases, FEMA prevents another government shutdown, and we meet Itasca Dayton.

Around Minnesota

State bonds go on sale this morning.

Local officials trying to explain property tax increases.

Nine buildings on the campus of the former Brainerd State Hospital are scheduled for demolition.

Meet Itasca.

In Washington

Congress may avoid another government shutdown.

It was nothing compared to what's coming.

Medical device makers are asking Congress to repeal an excise tax included in the new health care law. Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

Rep. Chip Cravaack wants the federal government to fix roadways before spending money on a high speed passenger rail project.

On the Campaign Trail

Florida Republicans like Rep. Michele Bachmann, but don't want to vote for her.

Bachmann's downplaying her eighth-place finish in the Florida Straw Poll.

She contends her campaign is "positioned perfectly" right now and that she can turn the race around.

Mac Hammond, a Minnesota evangelical preacher, says he'll be campaigning for Bachmann.

Bachmann's been back in Iowa, where she said that Texas Gov. Rick Perry doesn't have a good grasp on foreign affairs.

The Des Moines Register says Bachmann's getting "back to basics" during this Iowa visit.

Bachmann's also been knocking Perry for his record on immigration. But in-state tuition for undocumented students is also part of Bachmann's past.

Her adviser Ed Rollins says it's not too late for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to throw her hat in the race.

In an effort to set himself apart from the wealthy Mitt Romney, Perry's been positioning himself as middle-class.

Perry's still blocking reporters on Twitter.

A new poll has Herman Cain leading the pack, and Perry falling 18 percent.

The "Chris Christie for President" rumors continue. He says (again) that he's not interested.

He's got big donors behind him nevertheless.

Nate Silver analyzes how conservative Christie actually is.

The WaPo profiles Cain.

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty sought a job at FOX News, but was turned down for his ties to the Romney campaign.

The Vikings Stadium

The Ramsey County Charter Commission will meet Wednesday.

In Other News....

This guy has formed the Michele Bachmann 2012 Presidential Victory Committee in Florida. We've not heard of him in Minnesota, but Larose is something of a legend in the Sunshine State. He's run for multiple offices - sometimes simultaneously - he's formed at least 40 new political parties, and he's launched hundres of PACs, among them the Billionaire Josue Larose's Dating Women Committee and the Florida Intellectual Elites Political Committee.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (State credit rating downgraded, Obama rips GOP, Wright resigns)

Posted at 6:30 AM on September 26, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Standard and Poors downgraded Minnesota's credit rating.

Sheila Wright, director of the Office of Higher Education, has resigned her position. Gov. Dayton's spokesman would not offer further explanation when asked directly if Gov. Dayton asked Wright to resign. Wright could not be reached for comment.

Gov. Dayton is in South Korea on a trade mission.

Minnesota's ag officials are planning a trade mission to Vietnam.

AP takes a look at the fight over unionizing in-home day care.

The Star Tribune says Ron Schara, who sits on the Lessard-Sams Heritage Council and appears on Pheasnts Forever TV shows, voted on funding for Pheasants Forever.

AP says voter ID laws are targeting rarely occurring voter fraud.

17 state attorneys general support increased ways to fight Asian carp.

The state's low-income insurance shuffle has started.

Tim Pawlenty's official portrait will be unveiled in October.

Congress

Party leaders point fingers at each other in the latest spending fight in Washington.

President Obama is campaigning in western states to push for his jobs plan.

The St. Cloud Times takes a look at where the delegation stands on a balanced budget amendment.

Obama's planned waiver for the No Child Left Behind law clears the way for MN to change its rules.

GOP Rep. John Kline isn't a fan of the waiver plan. He released an op-ed on the plan on Friday.

DFL Sen. Al Franken is pushing for President Obama's jobs bill as a way to improve the state's bridges and other infastructure.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker considered cutting the pay of state employees.

International News

Vladimir Putin is running again for the presidency of Russia.

The Palestinians submitted a UN statehood bid.

Race for President

The Washington Post says President Obama is putting more focus on his Democratic base.

Obama also took aim at Rick Perry at a fundraiser and said the GOP "would cripple America."

The comments come as voters in more states, like Indiana, say they're dissatisfied with POTUS.

Herman Cain won the Florida Straw Poll. Cain's victory is a blow to Texas Gov. Rick Perry who put in time and effort to do well there.

Perry and Mitt Romney are looking beyond the early primary states.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachman campaigns in Iowa today.

She says she's "in it for the long haul."

The New York Times picked up on Bachmann's relationship with controversial pastor Bradlee Dean.

Bachmann campaigned in Tennessee on Friday.

The Star Tribune picks up the story that Bachmann's farm received federal subsidies.

Bachmann backed Pete Hoekstra in Michigan's U.S. Senate race.

The PoliGraph says two Bachmann claims missed the mark in a recent debate.

Bachmann also took aim at Perry on immigration.

The Wall St. Journal says New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is being courted to run but still says no.

Finally

Saturday Night Live mocked the last GOP debate.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Dayton to Asia today, GOP threatens lawsuit against Dayton over day care, Shutdown looming?)

Posted at 6:57 AM on September 23, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Ramsey County Attorney is reviewing the Chief Medical Examiner's role in the case of a baby's death.

MPR says Minnesota's infant death investigations are inconsistent and unregulated.

Under the Dome

Gov. Dayton leaves for Asia today. He'll speak at a conference in Japan this weekend and will begin a Trade Mission to South Korea on Sunday.

Dayton says he's getting a new puppy.

Republicans in the Minnesota Senate say they'll sue Gov. Dayton if he issues an executive order allowing in-home day care workers to vote on a union. The news came after a hearing was held last night on the issue.

Minnesota's Attorney General sues over aid to for-profit colleges.

Minority home ownership dropped again.

The U.S. Census says the child poverty rate has tripled in Brooklyn Park.

The University of Minnesota welcomed the new U of M president.

The DNR Commissioner says the state should have done more on fighting the Asian carp.

Economy

The Dow dropped on global econmic fears.

BWCA Fire

Fire officials are defending why they instituted a planned burn before the fire spread quickly.

Vikings Stadium

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak told the Star Tribune that calling for $30 million isn't opposing the new stadium.

Congress

Congress is pushing the government on the brink of a shutdown. The House passed a continuing resolution that the Senate opposes. House leaders pretty much offered a take it or leave it option to the Senate. The House Majority Leader says the House is leaving for vacation by 1pm today.

At a bridge in Ohio, President Obama called on Speaker Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on jobs.

Obama will detail how states can obtain waivers from the No Child Left Behind education law. Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassllius will be in attendance.

GOP Rep. John Kline says the waiver gives the Education Secretary full authority to pick winners and losers.

The Obama Administration says Pakistan's Intelligence Agency was indirectly involved in the bombing of a U.S. embassy in Afghanistan.

The New York Times says the U.S. missed warning signs in the rush to assist Solyndra.

The Washington Post reports that the federal government paid out $120 million to dead federal retirees.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson introduced a bill calling for streamlining regulatory review.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison supports the bid for Palestinian statehood.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz will hold a "Congress on your corner" event in Austin on Tuesday.

Medical device makes continue to push Congress to repeal the excise tax. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

The American Independent says the head of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve was selected by board members that are exclusively CEOs.

DFL Sen. Al Franken questioned OnStar on privacy.

Race for President

Mitt Romney and Rick Perry went after each other again in last night's debate.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says social conservatives should not settle.

The New York Times says Bachmann is struggling to raise money.

The New York Times says Bachmann was incorrect when she said President Obama "had the lowest approval rating of any president in modern time."

Ron Paul will reportedly be in Minnesota on November 5.

A Minnesotans for Rick Perry Facebook page has been launched.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:27 AM on September 22, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Digest. Today, we start worrying about government shutdown 2.0, we sort through befuddling education spending numbers and we meet the "candidate whisperer."

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton's first trade mission is missing a few business groups that traveled with Tim Pawlenty.

Jeff Anderson, who's vying for the DFL nomination in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District has won the endorsement of Sen. Roger Reinert, DFL-Duluth, and Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing.

Voters in Brooklyn Center rejected a property tax increase to pay for schools.

Confused about all those education finance numbers? PoliGraph is here to help.

Senate Tax Committee Chair Julianne Ortman writes that lawmakers in St. Paul shouldn't be blamed for property tax increases.

The University of Minnesota is looking for a new lobbyist.

Ken Moen, a trial attorney from Rochester, will run against Republican Sen. Carla Nelson.

New Census data shows that income declined and poverty edged up in Minnesota last year.

The Vikings Stadium

The Star Tribune reports that Minneapolis wants $30 million if the Metrodome is sold.

The House author of Vikings stadium bill says a voter referendum would kill the project.

In Washington

Another government shutdown is looming after Congress failed to pass a short-term spending bill to keep the lights on through mid-November.

A special committee set up to craft a debt reduction strategy is hearing a lot from lobbyists these days.

The Federal Reserve is using $400 billion to reduce interest rates and make loans more affordable.

The stock market didn't take well to the news.

Officials and business leaders who want a new bridge across the St. Croix River are in Washington lobbying Minnesota's delegation.

Sen. Al Franken is leading an inquiry into a company that scrutinizes the Internet activity of potential new employees.

Foreign Relations

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal have been released from an Iranian prison. Franken praised the move.

At the United Nations, President Barack Obama defended his opposition to Palestine's bid for statehood. It's a tough position for the President, writes the NYT's Helene Cooper.

Complicating Obama's stance on the issue is the Israeli government's increasingly close relationship with the Republican Party.

On the Campaign Trail

Ever heard of Brett O'Donnell? He's Bachmann's candidate whisperer.

Former Sen. Norm Coleman has signed on to the Romney campaign.

During a campaign stop in Florida, Romney tried to identify with the middle class.

He's got 41 percent of the vote among Republicans in New Hampshire. Bachmann has just 5 percent of their support.

Bachmann has made a well-known Iowa politico her communications director there.

She may struggle in Florida.

Jane Lynch (aka Sue Sylvester) told MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell that Bachmann reminds her of the cheerleading coach she plays on Glee.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry released a campaign ad that looks a lot like Pawlenty's epic TV spots. Maybe it's because the same guy produced it... just guessin'.

Our fact-checking friends over at FactCheck.org point out that the ad's claim about the nation's poverty rate is false.

Meanwhile, Keep Conservatives United, a Bachmann-friendly political action committee, is airing this ad in Iowa.

But let's be honest: this ad is still the best of the season, no?

Don't Forget

The GOP presidential candidates debate tonight at 9 p.m. ET.

The Daily Digest (Mounting contention over health insurance exchange, unionization of day cares and federal disaster aid)

Posted at 6:40 AM on September 21, 2011 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

MPR reports that contention is mounting over whether the state of Minnesota can spend federal money to create a health insurance exchange. The Dayton Administration argues it has the authority but Republicans, who oppose the federal health care law, say he doesn't.

Gov. Dayton is criticizing the Minnesota Legislature for holding hearings and news conferences at taxpayer expense.

The governor's statement comes after Committees in the House and Senate announced that they intend to hold hearings on a proposal that could unionize in-home daycare workers.

Tidbit: Dayton says he's not certain whether he has the legal authority to allow the workers to vote on forming a union.

MPR reports that some Republican lawmakers don't follow GOP Rep. Pat Garofalo's lead on local school levies.

The federal government gave Minnesota $4.5 million to review health insurance rates.

Leaders in the biosciences industry say the industry needs a boost.

MnSCU's leader offers a new vision.

MnSCU workers protest the $50k bonus for the outgoing chancellor.

The Legacy Council approved funds to fight Asian Carp.

An investigation uncovers a real estate kickback scheme.

A Minnesota Veterans Affairs official is stepping down.

Congress

President Obama faces a tricky task of rejecting a push by the United Nations to allow for a Palestinian state. Obama opposes the move even though he spoke in favor of a diplomatic solution at last year's UN General Assembly.

Obama praised Libya's post-revolution leaders at the UN.

GOP leaders tell the Fed that they don't want any more quantitative easing.

Tidbit: The move helps the GOP with the base as it fights any efforts to increase the deficit but it makes them vulnerable for discouraging the independent Federal Reserve from taking steps to improve the economy.

A fight over federal disaster aid could force a government shutdown.

Are secretaries taxed less than Millionaires? AP has this fact-check.

Google faces an antitrust hearing today.

A key Afghan leader was killed in a bombing.

The U.S. is assembling secret drone bases in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Wisconsin
$44 million was spent on the recall elections.

43
Former President George W. Bush will speak to Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park tonight. It's closed press. A protest and an anti-torture vigil are expected to be held outside of the event.

Hikers
A lawyer representing two Americans being detained Iran say the two should be free within hours.

Race for Congress
Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson says he'll announce "two key elected officials who will be endorsing his campaign." Anderson, a Democrat, is running for the DFL endorsement and the opportunity to challenge GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack.

Cravaack speaks at the CD8 GOP convention in Duluth this Saturday.

Race for President
Rick Perry blasts Obama's stance on Israel.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann said President Obama should block the Iranian president's speech at the UN.

Bachmann said the food industry is overregulated.

The Bachmann event created this image which Politico said is not too friendly to Bachmann.

The L.A. Times says Bachmann's campaign pitch is off-key.

A poll says Bachmann is stuck in single digits in South Carolina.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:57 AM on September 20, 2011 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Around Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton will be in Isabella for a briefing on the wildfire.

Correction: Dayton was in Isabella yesterday. He's delivering remarks at the Minnesota Bioscience Summit today.

Isabella residents are questioning an early decision to let the fire burn.

A second judge must sign a bail deal before two American hikers arrested in Iran can go free.

Brooklyn Center voters are mailing in their ballots on a school levy referendum.

In a report, the Office of the Legislative Auditor suggests the state should consider retooling its approval of online schools.

Transportation officials were in Minnesota to tout President Barack Obama's jobs plan.

Milestone

Don't Ask Don't Tell is no more.

In Washington

As part of his $3 trillion deficit reduction plan, Obama is calling for $1.5 trillion in new tax revenue.

He said he'll veto any plan that cuts Medicare benefits without raising taxes on the wealthiest.

Congressional Republicans quickly rejected the plan.

Add this phrase to your public policy lexicon: "Buffett Rule." It's a provision in Obama's proposal that would essentially require the nation's wealthiest to pay the same share of their income in taxes as middle income earners do. It's named after Warren Buffet, a billionaire who believes people like him should pay more in taxes.

Frank James with National Public Radio writes that the 2012 election could come down to "what side of the 'Warren Buffett Rule' line one stands on."

Does Obama's plan cut taxes or raise taxes? It turns out it does both depending on the budget baseline.

As part of the bill, Obama wants $33 billion in farm subsidy cuts.

The Obama administration says it's still committed to closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay.

A former staffer for Sen. Al Franken has taken a job with a renewable energy company.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann reacted to Obama's call for a tax increase by saying that "you don't create jobs by increasing taxes on job creators."

Bachmann was in Iowa yesterday. She'll be making the rounds again today.

She said people should buy their own health insurance with tax-free money.

Bachmann criticized Texas Gov. Rick Perry's immigration record.

Perry, also in Iowa, said a health care plan supported by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is "socialized medicine."

Bachmann doesn't have the resources or ability to go beyond the Iowa caucuses at this point, said her former campaign manager Ed Rollins.

The Obama campaign is opening offices in eight Iowa cities this week.

Bachmann said she was just repeating a claim that the HPV vaccine causes mental retardation.

On Midmorning, scientists talked about the HPV vaccine.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Bachmann in Iowa, mandated counseling irks long-term care industry, LaHood talks jobs bill in St. Paul)

Posted at 6:37 AM on September 19, 2011 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner has restricted access to 'suspicious-activity' that revealed Mall of America security details. The move has angered privacy advocates.

Gov. Dayton holds a jobs meeting in International Falls today.

Gov. Dayton pledges support for homeowners who live near the BWCA fire.

The fire is 19% contained.

School districts defend their funding decisions and the levy referendums.

MPR reports that a new portion of the state budget, state-mandated counseling for seniors entering an assisted living facility, irks the industry.

AP says the state's new fraud czar has his eye on the state's health and welfare programs.

NPR takes a look at whether new voting laws, like requiring people to show a photo ID to vote, suppress fraud or Democratic voters.

Congress

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will discuss the Central Corridor Light Rail line and push for President Obama's jobs bill at an event in St. Paul today.

President Obama wants the "Warren Buffett rule" tax on millionaires. It's a part of his debt-reduction plan.

Republicans call it "class warfare."

The PoliGraph says Obama's claim on the jobs bill are mostly true.

Retiree benefits for the military could face cuts.

Roll Call says DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and other members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are working without outside groups to improve their clout.

GOP Rep. John Kline hosts a Jobs Fair today.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison asks the IRS to clarify rules for gay taxpayers.

Google's search formula faces scrutiny. A Senate Committee holds a hearing on the search engine's history. Both DFL Sen. Al Franken and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar sit on the committee.

Rest in Peace

Eleanor Mondale lost her battle with cancer.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is silent about the FBI raid on his staffers.

Race for President

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann campaigns in Iowa this week. MPR reports that some of her supporters in that state want to see her get her shoes dirty.

She spoke at the California State Party Convention this weekend.

Bachmann appeared on NBC's Tonight Show on Friday. You can watch the clips here and here.

Bachmann also opens up a new line of attack on Rick Perry.

Bachmann also said anti-gay bullying is not a federal issue.

The Star Tribune says Bachmann's ex-staffers say Bachmann has to do it her way.

Bachmann said Solyndra shows Obama's abuse of power.

The GOP candidates revive their private Social Security idea.

The Washington Post says Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Mitt Romney could not be any more different.

CNN says poverty has grown in Rick Perry's Texas.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest (Dayton tours BWCA fire, Congress gets low marks, Mining subcommittee created)

Posted at 6:36 AM on September 16, 2011 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Dayton, DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken will head to Ely today to survey the damage caused by a fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

A specialized team takes over the management of the fire.

Jobs and the Economy

Minnesota saw small gains in employment in August as state workers return. The private sector added jobs too.

Gov. Dayton directed four of his commissioners to create a "mining subcabinet."

Dayton also marked the opening of the Faribault Woolen Mill.

Under the Dome

The Star Tribune says DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson says DHS employees must report any suspicious deaths in department-operated facilities to her within an hour. All other deaths at the facilities must be reported to her within 24 hours.

The Perpich Center considers taking over East Metro Integration District's 2 schools.

DFL and local school officials in Sartell speak out in favor of levy (and the push to oppose it).

Election law

Republicans are rewriting state election laws across the country.

Rest in Peace

GOP Rep. Jim Abeler's son died in his sleep on Wednesday night.

Congress

A New York Times/CBS poll says just 12 percent of Americans approve of how Congress is doing its job.

President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to a former Marine.

The White House weighs the limits of the terror fight.

GOP House Speaker John Boehner says he won't accept any tax increases even if the Super Committee proposes it.

President Obama will shield Social Security from cuts in his new deficit-reduction plan.

The House GOP pushes a stopgap spending bill.

The Senate sent a disaster relief bill to the House.

The Postal Service may close four post offices in MN.

The shutdown of the FAA has been averted.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is one of several senators that are urging the Super Committee to "go large."

DFL Sen. Al Franken is calling for an "explicit ban" on discrimination to GLBT students.

GOP Rep. John Kline is pushing a bill that would restrict the National Labor Relations Board.

Race for Congress

Norm Coleman is hosting a fundraiser for GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack today.

Race for President

Democratic strategist James Carville says President Obama should panic.

AP says the GOP candidates are bashing the stimulus but have benefitted from it.

Vin Weber, who is now advising Mitt Romney, says Rick Perry is the front-runner.

During a stop in Iowa, Perry ripped Romney.

AP says Perry supplemented his income with private deals.

The Merck lobbyist who pushed Perry to issue an executive order on the HPV vaccine is now running a Super PAC supporting Perry.

Politico says Perry is one of the most secretive governors in the country.

NBC says Perry is inconsistent on foreign policy.

The New York Times says misstatements trail GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Bachmann continues to defend her remarks on the HPV vaccine.

MPR says Bachmann has put her faith in challenging science.

Bachmann is urged to condemn bullying.

The University of Iowa apologizes after a tweet refers to Bachmann as a cougar.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:01 AM on September 15, 2011 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Daily Digest

Good Thursday morning, and welcome to the Daily Digest, where we explore the state's tobacco bonding plan, question whether Bachmann's HPV comments have backfired, and take a look at the latest polls.

Around Minnesota

Remember the tobacco bonding plan that ended up in the state's budget deal? The bonds are about to be sold, but there are still a lot of questions about how much money they'll make.

Gov. Mark Dayton is weighing an executive order that would allow in-home child care workers to unionize.

Dayton took verbal swipes at his GOP critics.

He wants a larger contribution from the Vikings for the team's new stadium.

The PoliGraph says DFL claims that the school payment shift originated with Republicans are misleading.

The BWCA fire rages on. MPR has an FAQ on the blaze.

Dayton makes a former House speaker a Fourth District judge.

Next Door

An FBI probe surrounding Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is expanding.

In Washington

President Barack Obama was in North Carolina touting his jobs plan.

Some congressional Democrats say they can't vote for it as is.

A company that benefited from the last stimulus bill is under scrutiny in Congress.

On the Campaign Trail

Rep. Michele Bachmann is courting support from an Arizona sheriff with a tough stance on illegal immigration.

Bachmann's comments about the HPV vaccine may be backfiring.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the target of Bachmann's criticism, is among those saying that her comments about the safety of the HPV vaccine are false.

He's still doing well in polls. A Bloomberg survey has him capturing 26 percent support from Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Romney is in second place with 22 percent and all other candidates have less than 10 percent.

A University of Minnesota bioethics professor is offering $1,000 for proof that woman's daughter became mentally disabled after getting the HPV vaccine. Bachmann mentioned meeting the mother after Monday night's debate.

Bachmann's book has a cover - and a name: Core of Conviction.