Polinaut Category Archive: Daily Digest

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:05 AM on November 6, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

There was a mass shooting at Fort Hood that killed 13. The Austin-American Statesman is all over this story.

President Obama spoke about the tragedy.

Under the Dome

It seems like the state of Minnesota is running short of cash.

Minnesota's college grant program is short $13 million.

Minnesota is delaying business tax refunds because the state is short of cash.

As the state struggles to pay its bills, Gov. Pawlenty is proposing a constitutional amendment to limit spending. Pawlenty's own budget proposals would not have met his own threshold. KARE, MPR, ECM, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

You can listen to Pawlenty's newser and read reaction to his plan here.

Democrats are planning a hearing on the proposal.

Gov. Pawlenty is headed to NW Minnesota today for tomorrow's deer hunting opener.

A report says Minnesota should have statewide broadband access by 2015.

Pawlenty and DFLers are arguing over debt guidelines for the bonding bill.

Property taxes are up in Minnesota.

Minnesota lawyers will pay more in fees to fund public defenders.

The Minnesota National Guard welcomes home 12 soldiers from returning from Afghanistan.

Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann leads the protest against health care reform in Washington D.C. WCCO, MinnPost and the Star Tribune have stories.

KARE says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann shines among grassroots conservatives.

Politico says 10,000 answered Bachmann's call.

Democrats criticize Bachmann.

A dozen demonstrators were arrested at Pelosi's office.

The House Majority Leader said he health bill will pass.

President Obama touts the endorsement of the AARP and the AMA.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison said he understands some people have jitters about the public option but he compared the vote for the Civil Rights Act, to create Social Security and Medicare.

Minnesotans are due $1.3 million in unreceived tax refund checks.

Obama will sign a bill today that extends unemployment benefits and home buyers tax credit.

Senate Democrats move the greenhouse gas bill to the floor without GOP help. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

Klobuchar also wants a ban on wireless devices in the cockpit of commercial aircraft.

DFL Sen. Al Franken backs the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Obama says the U.S. must reverse course with the Indians.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is named to a Railroad Subcomittee.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar and the White House are at odds over transportation funding.

2010 Race for Governor

R.T. Rybak forms his committee for governor.

DFL Sen. Tom Bakk wants a special session to focus on a new bonding bill.

Some of the DFL candidates squared off at a debate in Le Sueur.

All of the DFL candidates for governor back gay marriage.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

The Pi Press says Iowa will size up Pawlenty just as he sizes up the state. Pawlenty is scheduled to speak in Des Moines on Saturday night.

Pawlenty is one of the Republicans who are planting seeds in Iowa.

Pawlenty trails in a GOP 2012 poll.

The Fix says Pawlenty is having a bad week.

Pawlenty says he was in artful about his comments about Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe.

GOP12 looks at whether Pawlenty wanted to take the federal stimulus.

2010 Race for Congress

DFL Rep. Tim Walz raises money off of GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:42 AM on November 5, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty will propose an amendment to the state constitution this morning. He didn't offer specifics but said it relates to economic issues and government spending.

He kicked off his national political action committee on Wednesday night. About 300 people attended the Minneapolis fundraiser. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and AP have stories.

You can listen to his speech to donors here.

Pawlenty also talked with Iowa reporters before his Saturday speech in Des Moines.

Forum Communications takes a look at what Pawlenty has to do to be successful in Iowa.

The new mayor of Manchester, NH says he got calls from Pawlenty, Mitt Romney and George Pataki.

Pawlenty is also helping raise money for state lawmakers. He's scheduled to be a part of a November 16th fundraiser for Tim Sanders.

Sarah Palin will sign books in Minnesota on December 7th.

Under the Dome

Democrats will tour a Minneapolis hydroelectric site.

The new seat belt law spurs 10,000 citations.

Anti-gang funding for the metro area has hit a bottleneck.

Lawmakers want more money from school trust lands.

2010 Race for Governor

DFLer Tom Bakk will hold a news conference today that will focus on jobs.

DFL Sen. Dan Skogen is backing Bakk.

A bipartisan group of candidates participated in a St. Cloud debate.

Supporters say they're ready to back R.T. Rybak for governor.

The Pi Press says the Independence Party is looking for the next gov candidate.

Congress

The House is set to vote on the health care bill on Saturday. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is hoping that today's rally will stop the vote.

Actor Jon Voight will speak at Bachmann's rally.

A top aide to Bachmann quits.

Democrats are tackling some hot button issues before the vote.

The FAA chief says pilots have to refocus on professionalism.

President Obama is trying to get schools to change with state dollars.

Democrats are debating their course after Tuesday night's losses.

An energized GOP is looking to avoid intraparty feuds.

The Senate approves more jobless benefits.

Groups are pushing DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar on energy issues.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum didn't like Israeli ambassador's decision to skip the J Street conference last week, so she wrote him a letter.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is one of the poorest members of Congress.

Ellison also condemned Congress for not holding hearings on a report on violations of international law related to the Gaza war of late 2008.

2010 Race for Congress

Two DFLers have jumped in the race for Congress in Minnesota's 3rd District. Jim Meffert and Maureen Hackett both filed paperwork with the FEC. The winner of the DFL nomination will face GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen.

Republican Allen Quist is preparing to run in the 1st District. Quist would challenge DFL Rep. Tim Walz.

DFLer Dan Powers will officially announce his campaign for Congress on November 17tt. Powers will challenge GOP Rep. John Kline.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:33 AM on November 4, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota's local elections pretty much held true to form on Tuesday night.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak overwhelmingly won among a crowded field. He is mum on whether he intends to run for governor. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

Instant Runoff Voting forces folks to wait a little longer for results but is successful. Some voters didn't rank their choices. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman won by a two to one margin in St. Paul. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

St. Paul voters also backed Instant Runoff Voting vote in St. Paul.

More than half of the school funding questions passed last night. You can find the results here.

Nationally

The biggest surprise of the night is that a Democrat won New York 23. That was the congressional seat where conservatives turned on the GOP backed candidate.

The GOP won governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia.

The Republican victories deal a blow to President Obama.

A majority of those polled in NJ and VA, however, say Obama was not a factor in their decision on Tuesday.

The Hill said Democrats are headed for big losses in 2010 if the economy doesn't turn around.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty holds a major fundraiser for his PAC in Minneapolis tonight. He gets a little Hollywood help.

Pawlenty said last night's elections were a referendum on Obama.

Pawlenty was 2 for 3 last night. His PAC sent out congratulatory e-mail on the wins in VA and NJ. It was silent on NY23.

GOP Olympia Snowe said Pawlenty should follow her approach to governing. She made the comments after Pawlenty couldn't say a positive thing about her on MSNBC. The spokesman for his PAC didn't offer the warmest of embraces either (h/t Star Tribune):

"Governor Pawlenty has a lot of respect for Senator Snowe, and believes in the Ronald Reagan rule that my 80 percent friend is not my 20 percent enemy. As the Governor said this morning, he is glad Republicans -- not Democrats -- represent Maine in the U.S. Senate."

Congress

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar taps a magistrate for the federal bench.

DFL Sen. Al Franken gave his first floor speech on health care.

GOP Rep. John Kline opposes changes in the way union representation elections are held.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen doesn't want Guantanamo Bay detainees to get H1N1 shots before law abiding citizens.

Politifact says a statement by GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann has her "pants on fire" on one of her statements.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson and MA Rep. Barney Frank are close on a deal to merge bills that makes changes to the financial services industry.

Obama named state Sen. Dick Cohen to the President's Committee on Arts and Humanities.

Under the Dome

Three state senators will introduce legislation to move up the state's primary.

Finally

We linked to a new site, Discover Politics, yesterday. MinnPost says the person who is running it was a staffer for former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:09 AM on November 3, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

It's Election Day and there are plenty of local races on the ballot. But before we get to that we start with the 2010 governor's race.

MPR says there's a push to get Republican businessman Brian Sullivan into the race for governor. One source said it would be surprising if Sullivan didn't get in.

Former State Auditor Pat Anderson says she'd expand the sales tax to reduce corporate and personal income taxes. MPR, the Pi Press, the Rochester Post-Bulletin and the Star Tribune have stories.

You can listen to Anderson's announcement here.

Marty Seifert highlights his regional supporters.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said it would be tough to campaign for governor and be Minneapolis mayor.

Discover Politics interviews Paul Thissen, David Hann and Matt Entenza.

Politics in Minnesota records some of the candidates doing Karaoke.

Election Day

MPR looks at the lessons from last year's recount.

2009 Races

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman (DFL) and GOP backed Eva Ng participated in a Midday debate.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak answers challenges from those who say "Anybody but him."

The State GOP weighs in on local school board races.

The White House is reportedly preparing for a disappointing Election Day.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty punted more than Viking Chris Kluwe on MSNBC's Morning Joe this morning. He wouldn't say whether he backed Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine. "We want Olympia Snowe in the big tent," Pawlenty said. "But she can't say she's a Republican and vote against the Republican position much of the time."

Regional politics played a part in Pawlenty being named vice-chair of the Republican Governor's Association.

2010 Race for Congress

Stu Rothenberg rates the 3rd and 6th as GOP favored.

Congress

The House health bill is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion.

The GOP health bill focuses on lower costs.

President Obama warns of future job loss.

The New York Times says euphoria gave way to second thoughts on Obama in Iowa.

Obama calls for a "new chapter" in Afghanistan.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will attend a major fundraiser for the DSCC.

Under the Dome

Minnesota is tops in civic engagement.

Big StoneII is scrapped.

More than half of Minnesota's stimulus jobs are in schools.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:53 AM on November 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The New York Times says the White House is confident that a bill that changes health care will pass.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is a firm no on the proposed health care legislation.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is urging people to storm the Capitol to stop health care changes. Here's the video.

The Pi Press says DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken differ on how to approach the public option.

The Washington Post says states are likely to shape health care law. Pawlenty is mentioned.

President Obama is seeking options on Afghanistan.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's challenger drops out. That effectively gives Karzai a second term.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz talks about Afghanistan with MSNBC.

Intelligence spending increased again.

He releases the names of some White House guests. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL Sen. Al Franken, DFL Rep. Collin Peterson are on the list.

The Senate and the White House reach an agreement on reporter shield protections.

Klobuchar and MN Attorney General Lori Swanson promote anti-fraud measures.

Franken urges supporters to give to North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan.

The Huffington Post says DFL Rep. Tim Walz supports a repeal of "Don't ask, Don't tell."

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says the White House is undercounting the transportation jobs created by the stimulus.

A Minnesota ad firm sues a Florida Congressman.

Under the Dome

The FBI will oversee the Metro Gang Strike Force replacement.

Gov. Pawlenty says he thinks they'll prevail against any lawsuits challenging his unallotment authority.

Several state lawmakers will travel to Israel.

State lawmakers want to make sure that minority and low-income workers get stimulus funding.

Minnesota farmers help the needy.

2009

Some of the candidates running for Mayor of Minneapolis and St. Paul will debate the issues today on Midday.

2010 Race for Governor

Republican Pat Anderson officially kicks off her campaign this morning in St. Paul.

Here's a list of where the candidates will be this week.

GOP state Rep. Steve Drazkowski is backing Tom Emmer for governor.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty is in Washington D.C. today and tomorrow to discuss education policy.

The GOP endorsed candidate in a New York congressional race drops out and backs the Democrat in the race. Gov. Pawlenty cheers about her decision (about dropping out) on twitter.

Pawlenty talks health care with the American Spectator.

Sarah Palin declines an Iowa speaking request.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 5:59 AM on October 30, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

A lawsuit challenges Gov. Pawlenty's budget cuts. MinnPost, MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

Gov. Pawlenty holds a morning newser with Minnesota farmers to announce a donation to Hunger Solutions.

Pawlenty says he supports an earlier primary. AP says military voting has some states in a time squeeze.

Pawlenty is also headed to Mexico in November. He spoke in New Ulm yesterday afternoon.

Negotiations continue on U of M light rail deal.

The Minnesota Supreme Court will decide if counties should pay for defense attorneys for poor people.

The forfeiture and seizure law is criticized. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Minnesota gets $6.8 million for sewage treatment and wild lands.

GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers talks about the priorities of the upcoming session.

KSTP says mistakes made in the 2008 U.S. Senate election helped change how votes will be counted in the future.

Congress

President Obama will meet with his military advisers today to discuss the strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Some Afghanistan experts say a troop withdrawal is the best route.

MPR surveyed Minnesota's delegation on Afghanistan. A majority says they want more information before making a decision on a troop increase.

Secretary of State Clinton is asking why Pakistan has not destroyed Al Qaeda.

The New York Times says Iran is rejecting a deal on shipping out uranium.

The House releases its health bill.

The Star Tribune says Congress is getting flooded with calls regarding the health care bill.

The GDP signals the recession is over.

Dozens in Congress have been under an ethics inquiry.

Attorney General Eric Holder says the Justice Department is helping Native American tribes reduce violence. He's dedicating money to make tribal lands safer. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

Obama's citizenship director visits the Twin Cities.

China lifts its ban on U.S. pork imports.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says credit rating changes need to be made.

DFL Sen. Al Franken says he supports the St. Cloud Airport's request for federal funding.

A bill would extend time to fund pension plans. Franken is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison introduces a same day voter registration bill.

Some members of Congress are suggesting a $150 billion "front-loaded" transportation stimulus next year. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2010 Race for Governor

GOP state Rep. Paul Kohls drops out of the race for governor. MPR, the Star Tribune, AP and the Pi Press have stories.

Tom Rukavina racks up local steelworker's union endorsements.

Matt Entenza is headed to California to raise money.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

The American Conservative says the Vikings stadium issue could put Pawlenty in a bind.

Newt Gingrich goes after Pawlenty over NY-23.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee hasn't endorsed in the race.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wants a $100k speaking fee for an Iowa event.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:53 AM on October 29, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The stimulus and the fight over how many jobs it created lead today's Digest.

AP is reporting that jobs created by the stimulus have been overstated.

The White House fires back and said nearly all of the errors cited in the report were spotted and fixed by the Obama Administration.

President Obama signed the Defense Authorization bill that includes hate crimes legislation.

DFL Sen. Al Franken attended the signing because the legislation included his service dog provision.

The law would also speed up Minnesota's primary.

President Obama greets the caskets of returning service members.

A report says donors got special access to the White House. The White House refutes the allegation.

House Democrats are prepared to unveil their health bill. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

The plan would reportedly require the government to negotiate prices with doctors and hospitals as opposed to the government setting rates.

The GOP Senate Minority Leader said Senate Democrats are getting in their own way on the health care bill.

MinnPost takes a look at where some of the members of the delegation stand on Afghanistan.

The Wall St. Journal said some politicians interfered with bailed out GM. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

A Senate proposal would give states grant money to ban texting while driving. Klobuchar is mentioned.

Ellison, Walz, DFL Rep. Collin Peterson and DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar back Franken's amendment on defense contractors.

The Senate votes to extend the first-time homebuyer credit.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison opposes sanctions against Iran. A committee approved a bill that would increase sanctions.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann said the GOP is offering health care solutions.

Bachmann calls an Iowa Republican "stunning."

ECM says Bachmann continues to develop national celebrity.

The transportation bill isn't moving because of other priorities and funding issues. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Oberstar will attend a bridge opening in North Branch in November.

Attorney General Eric Holder will attend a meeting in the Twin Cities today.

Under the Dome

The DNR issues a draft study of the Polymet Mining proposal. The Pi Press says the proposed mine would increase sulfate levels in rivers.

The MPCA apologizes for trying to gag a county commissioner.

A state run psychiatric hospital is cited for allowing a patient to get a hold of a gun.

The Minnesota National Guard will get the eight remaining TVs from Moose Lake's Sex Offender Treatment facility.

A Senate panel visits the Bemidji bonding sites.

Minnesota's H1N1 cases are up sharply.

GOP state Sen. Michelle Fischbach fights the Mexican law and won.

2010 Race for Governor

The GOP candidates will meet in Sauk Rapids tonight.

Gustavus Aldolphus will host a gubernatorial debate on Nov. 9th. 25 candidates were invited.

Pat Anderson will officially announce her campaign on Monday.

The candidates at a forum in Anoka want more college students and lower tuition. MPR and ECM have stories.

Tom Emmer fields questions from students.

Matt Entenza's wife, former UnitedHealth Group executive Lois Quam, says she backs a public option.

2010

CQ says Maureen Hackett, a DFLer, filed paperwork to run in Minnesota's 3rd District.

MPR takes a look at the DFL battle in Minnesota's 6th District.

Franken, Kelliher and Rybak will raise money for state Sen. Tarryl Clark.

Two GOP leaning groups will push to require voters to present a photo id at St. Paul polling places.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty speaks at a Best Buy event in Richfield and will later speak at the New Ulm Job Growth Summit (hosted by MN House and Senate GOP).

Pawlenty didn't fare well in a CNN poll of GOP candidates.

Update: Pawlenty bashed the public option on Fox News this morning.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:30 AM on October 28, 2009 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The situation in Afghanistan leads the Digest today.

October is the deadliest month in Afghanistan since the start of the war in 2001.

A new poll says support for a troop surge in Afghanistan increases.

President Obama is closer to a decision on a troop increase.

The brother of Afghanistan's president denies being on the CIA payroll.

GOP Rep. John Kline wrote in an op-ed that now is the time for action in Afghanistan.

CT Senator Joe Lieberman is threatening to block the public option.

Meanwhile, Democrats are downplaying Lieberman's threat.

The Minnesota delegation weighs in on Reid's public option.

An op-ed in the Wall St. Journal says allowing states to opt out means more than health care would be at stake.

The Washington Post says AARP could make millions off of the health care changes it backs.

The FAA revokes the licenses of the two pilots who overshot MSP.

The Obama Administration will reconsider a trucker rule.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar calls for an investigation into the sweat lodge deaths.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison denounces a call to probe of the Islamic group.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is hopeful an air carrier can provide service between St. Cloud and Chicago. Delta announced last week that it was ending flights between St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is meeting with Rep. Barney Frank to discuss changes to the financial services industry.

Congressional negotiators reached a deal that would exempt 13 Great Lakes shippers from new EPA clean air rules. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

Three state lawmakers head to Washington D.C. today to offer suggestions on the Climate Change bill.

The Twin Cities housing market is the hottest in the country.

Vice-President Joe Biden held a conference call with Gov. Pawlenty and others to discuss the Recovery Act.

Pawlenty also released a transportation proposal that relies on business money to speed up some road projects. Democrats say the state money came from a transportation bill that Pawlenty vetoed. MPR, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

He's also forced to defend his spending in rural Minnesota.

Schools are making a strong push for increased funding.

The House Jobs Task Force held a committee hearing in Milaca.

The Minnesota conservation advocacy group downgraded its ranking of dozens of lawmakers.

Groups are pushing for three additional light rail stops along the Central Corridor LRT.

2010 Race for Governor

A bipartisan group of the candidates for governor will be in Anoka today.

The Republican candidates for governor will be in Benton County on Thursday.

MinnPost says there is no DFL frontrunner.

DFL Sen. John Marty says no public money for a Vikings stadium.

DFL Sen. Jim Vickerman is backing Tom Bakk for governor.

Former state Sen. Steve Kelley got two more endorsements from legislators.

Minnesota Republicans send out a mailer to Minneapolis residents asking "Where's R.T?"

Rybak will speak to the Rotary Clubs about the economy.

Conservative blogger Craig Westover will head up the communications efforts for Pat Anderson.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty tells Human Events that he supports drilling in ANWR. In 2008, the Star Tribune said he supported drilling in ANWR, "though his support was contingent on drilling technologies that do it safely."

The former NRCC Chair, Tom Davis, said Pawlenty's backing of a conservative over the Republican endorsed candidate is disappointing:

"For a lot of moderates who look at Pawlenty as reasonable, it's kind of disappointing," said former Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), a former NRCC chairman. "What Republicans have to realize is that they have to form a broad base of support. But that's not how you win the Republican primary."

Pawlenty sidesteps Newt Gingrich's criticism that GOP support for Doug Hoffman as a "purge."

Pawlenty will speak to the NRSC in mid November.

Remember to check our map for all of his out of state travel.

An Iowa group invites Sarah Palin to a November event.

Palin got a $1.25 million advance for her book.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:54 AM on October 27, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The National Transportation Safety Board says the NWA pilots who overshot Minneapolis St. Paul airport were distracted because they were using their personal laptops.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken both say pilots shouldn't drive while distracted.

The Senate health care bill will include the public option.

President Obama says he won't rush a decision on troop levels.

Obama will also put $3.4 billion to a smart grid technology.

The feds may release figures today saying the nation is out of the recession but there are still job losses occurring.

The Senate Banking Chair wants a freeze on credit card rates.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar expects progress this week on an extension of unemployment benefits.

She also held a hearing to help businesses export goods.

Klobuchar, GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and several state lawmakers toured the new St. Cloud bridge (which is set to open Thursday).

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen attended a fundraiser for a colleague at a Penn State game in State College, PA. It was during the Penn St./U of M game.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson will sponsor a local foods conference.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar visited Haiti earlier this month.

Democrats are seeking home state exemptions from some environmental rules like a Great Lakes shipping rule. Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

Gov. Pawlenty will hold a news conference today to announce some initiatives to improve Minnesota's transportation system.

Committee hearings will be held in swing districts this week.

Minnesota Education officials started a tour to help schools compete for stimulus money.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Did Pawlenty mean it when he said he was going to build the Republican Party nationally? His first major endorsement bypassed the GOP endorsed candidate in New York.

Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and other possible presidential candidates are staying out of the race.

Pawlenty also said President Obama projects weakness.

2010 Race for Governor

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

AFSCME officials and former DFL Sen. Mark Dayton held a news conference on Monday to discuss the union endorsement. WCCO has a story. You can listen to Dayton's newser here.

2009 Local Races

The campaign for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman released its first ad.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:43 AM on October 26, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota's 2010 Primary leads the Digest today. However, we're not exactly sure which day will be Primary Day since a federal Defense Authorization bill may make the date at least a month earlier.

Meanwhile, a primary fight for the DFL nomination for governor has gotten more interesting. That's because the state's largest public employee union, AFSCME Council 5, is backing former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton for governor. MPR, AP, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

Dayton said the endorsement gives "enormous political strength" to his campaign.

The Star Tribune says the Republican candidates for governor share one thing in common: less government.

GOP Rep. Paul Kohls tells KARE he will not support public funding for a new Vikings stadium. DFL Rep. Paul Thissen, another gov candidate, also said there isn't momentum for a stadium this year. Thissen didn't completely rule out some sort of help for a new stadium.

Here's a list of where the candidates will be this week.

The DFL organized a debate in Moorhead next Sunday.

Congress

President Obama declared H1N1 a national emergency.

Is Obama running a boy's club White House?

He also wants lenders to give to small businesses.

The White House has plenty of Minnesotans as staffers.

Democrats sound more confident that a public option will be approved.

The New York Times says small businesses are seeing an increase in health care premiums.

Health insurance profits are not as robust as Democrats claim.

DFL Reps. Tim Walz, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison and Jim Oberstar want non-profit employers to be a part of the health insurance package.

MPR says fighting health care fraud is a difficult battle.

Twin suicide bombings kill 155 people in Iraq.

Fourteen Americans die in helicopter crashes in Afghanistan.

Thousands of demonstrations were held on Saturday to urge a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Several hundred rallied at the State Capitol.

The EPA says the climate change bill would add $100 a year to heating bill costs for each household.

Republicans may block markup of the climate change bill.

The feds interview the crew that overshot MSP.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar holds a hearing this morning on Minnesota's exports.

Klobuchar will also attend a St. Cloud bridge dedication ceremony. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will also be there.

Klobuchar attended a breast cancer event at the White House.

DFL Sen. Al Franken wants answers about the airliner that overshot MSP.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen gets a slight change to the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will speak at an interfaith council in Chicago.

Conservative columnist George Will writes about GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Farmers are not happy about a proposed flood diversion plan. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

An Obama Administration official says they "will push Congress to require that all financial derivatives that can go through clearinghouses need to be forced to go through them to avoid another breakdown of the financial system even though two House committees have rejected that approach." Peterson is mentioned.

An auto parts business is overwhelmed with cash for clunkers.

The conservative Freedom Foundation of Minnesota raises some questions about some stimulus requests.

Under the Dome

State Demographer Tom Gilaspy talks about the census count with WCCO.

Gov. Pawlenty says he's sending the TVs from a sex offender treatment facility to Vet homes. But DFL Sen. Linda Berglin said the TVs are the tiniest of ills at the Moose Lake facility.

Minnesota colleges are making efforts to prevent dropouts.

GOP Rep. Tim Kelly of Red Wing says he supports Pawlenty's decision to terminate a reciprocity agreement with Wisconsin. He disagrees with a bipartisan group of lawmakers who are urging the deal stay in place.

GOP Rep. Steve Drazkowski wrote an op-ed criticizing government subsidies for wind energy.

Minnesota will have a surplus auction.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

The Fix says Gov. Pawlenty is the second most influential Republican.

When pushed, Gov. Pawlenty says he'd opt out of federal health care.

Pawlenty now expresses concern about the GOP endorsed candidate in New York after declining to weigh in on the race on Thursday night.

The NRCC will spend several hundred thousand backing the GOP candidate.

Marc Ambinder speculates further on Pawlenty's Iowa strategy.

MinnPost says watch Vin Weber if you want to watch Pawlenty.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he'll decide in early 2011 if he'll run for president.

2009 Local races

St. Paul voters will decide Instant Runoff Voting.

2010 Race for Congress

A DFLer is set to take challenge GOP Rep. John Kline.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann didn't receive as much in PAC money as she has in the past.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:24 AM on October 23, 2009 by Tom Scheck (0 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Digest is a bit late this morning after I was engaged with a heated argument with myself over workload. I'm kidding of course but that's what two pilots cite as the reason they flew 150 miles past MSP. The pilots have been suspended and federal investigators are looking into it.

Congress

ABC News said the Senate health care bill is likely to include a public option but moderates are plotting to stop it.

A deal on Medicare geographic inequities now means DFL Rep. Betty McCollum will vote for a health bill that includes the public option. DFL Rep. Tim Walz said he's more inclined to back a bill with the public option as long as the Medicare fix is included. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune and MPR have stories.

The National Journal says Democrats in the House now have 218 votes for the public option because of the Medicare deal.

Here's where Minnesota's delegation stands on health care reform.

The medical device tax included in the Senate Finance bill is still under fire.

The state's health care industry is spending millions lobbying Congress.

A military pay hike passes Congress.

A House panel oks a consumer protection agency.

$108 million in LIHEAP funds are on their way to Minnesota.

The Hate Crimes bill is set to become law.

Franken's anti-rape amendment may be stripped.

Franken's first bill clears Congress.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz will speak at an event for geography teachers.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison said increased sanctions against Iran won't work.

A House bill ensures that states can have oversight over big banks. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Shipping companies are lobbying to block the EPA from imposing clean air rules. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

The draft of an environmental review of the proposed Polyment mine in northern Minnesota is expected today.

Educators fear that the K12 shift will become a permanent cut. It's set off an interesting discussion among education finance experts at the Capitol.

The lower unemployment rate means fewer benefits for some.

The Minnesota Supreme Court says bong water can be considered an illegal drug.

The suit over the 35W bridge contract will head to the MN Supreme Court.

A study finds the need for a new coal powered fire plant in MN.

The new St. Cloud bridge will be dedicated on Monday.

H1N1

Three more Minnesotans died from H1N1.

There's a scramble to parcel out the vaccine nationwide.

MDH's flu line has also been swamped.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

About 500 people attended the small dollar fundraiser for Pawlenty's federal PAC in Washington D.C. MinnPost, Politico and the Star Tribune have stories.

Here's a portion of the speech.

The Washington Times isn't happy that the Pawlenty events were closed press.

Pawlenty's Iowa speech will be broadcast on C-SPAN.

A poll (tied to Democrats) said President Obama beats Gov. Pawlenty in a head to head match up but Pawlenty has a high upside among GOP candidates.

Pawlenty isn't backing a candidate in the special election in New York's 23rd District and the conservative RedState bashes him for it.

2010 Race for Governor

The state's largest public employee union, AFSCME will screen candidates for governor this weekend.

AP says the unions aren't united in the governor's race.

DFL groups and donors are reportedly organizing a group to help the DFL candidate for governor.

Missed this one yesterday. Fox9 takes a look at whether Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is too busy running for governor to debate the other candidates for mayor.

There are a few stories that surfaced from Wednesday's forum in Rochester. The Rochester Post-Bulletin said R.T. Rybak and Mark Dayton got some attention at the forum.

MPR says Matt Entenza ripped Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Kelliher said she can attract indies and R.T. Rybak said he's open to a sales tax on clothing.

Kelliher releases her list of supporters but a DFL blogger said some on the list aren't really supporters.

2010 Race for Congress

Maureen Reed, a DFLer running for Congress in the 6th, visits Washington.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann endorsed conservative Doug Hoffman over the GOP Dede Scozzafava in the upcoming New York special election.

2009 Local races

The Star Tribune says there could be a long wait for winners to be declared in certain Minneapolis races. IRV will make the process go slow.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says he's done a good job as mayor.

Coleman's GOP endorsed opponent, Eva Ng, considers herself a problem solver.

Finally

Tee it up on the world's longest golf course.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:28 AM on October 22, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty will hold the first major fundraiser for his federal PAC today in Washington D.C.

Pawlenty is aiming to ramp up his PAC website with more bells and whistles (and merchandise).

Pawlenty is also asking the nation's other governors to band together to allow the purchasing of health insurance across state lines.

Under the Dome

Asian business owners filed a complaint over the Central Corridor.

Meanwhile, Northstar gets a trial run.

The DNR is adding more lakes to its "infested waters" list.

A study shows where Minnesota could improve in teaching math and science.

Attorney General Lori Swanson is suing a nursing home owner for alleged health care fraud.

Minnesota will get $5 million for rebates on appliances.

There will be a rally at the State Capitol to support Climate Change this week. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and DFL rep. Betty McCollum will attend.

Thirty members of the MN House created a Small Business Caucus.

Congress

The AP says Minneapolis Police Officer Sharon Lubinski is the first openly gay U.S. Marshall in the nation's history.

Democrats are aiming to end the antitrust exemptions for insurance companies.

The health bill exempts some large employers.

President Obama is trying to shift the bailout from Wall St. firms to small businesses.

Obama also orders steep pay cuts to firms that got the most federal aid.

Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will meet today.

Poland will accept a new, more mobile, missile defense system after Obama scrapped a Bush era plan.

Obama's decision on a troop boost may come after the revote in Afghanistan.

I missed this one earlier. The Rochester Post-Bulletin says DFL Sen. Al Franken doesn't believe sending tens of thousands of U.S. troops to Afghanistan is the answer.

Franken wants to end a tax break given to drug companies for advertising.

The Wall St. Journal picks up DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar's bill that would reduce indoor emissions of formaldehyde.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison wants to create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Ellison is holding a hearing on the subject on Saturday.

Republicans want to kill the idea.

Democrats are criticizing GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann for trying to build a list of supporters.

Bachmann also detects a conspiracy to weaken the dollar.

The House Ag bill approved a derivatives reform bill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Peterson reportedly opposes the public option and is undecided on a health care coop.

The Washington Post says Democrats in the House are considering a second stimulus. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar wants more spending on infrastructure and transportation.

Oberstar doesn't compose music or lyrics. He composes legislation.

2010 Race for Governor

Some labor unions are ramping up efforts to back candidates.

Former DFL Rep. Matt Entenza visited a school near Rochester.

The Minnesota Daily interviews GOP state Rep. Paul Kohls.

Governing Magazine calls Minnesota a toss-up.

2010 Race for Congress

The Minnesota Independent sees if GOP state Sen. Julie Rosen is running for Congress in Minnesota's 1st and got a maybe.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:53 AM on October 21, 2009 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders met behind closed doors at the Governor's Residence yesterday to discuss the upcoming legislative session. There may be a glimmer of hope for the nearly thirty thousand people who are scheduled to lose health care coverage as a result of Pawlenty's line-item veto.

Pawlenty also said he's pulling the plug on the pricey TVs at Moose Lake's Treatment Center.

Minnesota Workforce centers say more funding is needed.

A Minnesota water group will look at environmental pollution.

Six Islamic clerics who were thrown off a plane settled their lawsuit with the MAC and U.S. Airways.

An ex-DHS employee was sentenced for health care fraud.

Congress

House Democrats are introduced a health care bill that includes the public option and reduces the deficit. The CBO says the price-tag is $871 billion over ten years.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison support the public option.

DFL Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken want to extend unemployment benefits.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Klobuchar and the other female senators.

Franken backs a measure that would help those with high medical debt.

GOP Rep. John Kline is seeking a hearing on the Labor Relations Board nominee.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann dismisses talk of a potential run for president.

2010 Race for governor

The DFL candidates will meet in a forum in Rochester tonight.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum backs Steve Kelley for governor.

2010 Race for Congress

Stu Rothenberg said the DCCC is targeting Bachmann but it will be a tough year for Democrats.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty's appeared on CNBC's Larry Kudlow last night. Here's part 1. Here's part 2.

Mitt Romney insists he hasn't made a decision about 2012.

Romney may be bypassing Iowa in 2012?

Marc Ambinder speculates that Pawlenty might skip it.

Oprah will interview Sarah Palin.

Phinally

Go Phils. Win another World Series for Grandma!

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:25 AM on October 20, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

A meeting leads the Digest today.

Gov. Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders will meet for the first time in 155 days this morning. The group will meet at the governor's residence to discuss the upcoming legislative session.

The meeting comes one day after the State Economist told lawmakers that the state faces a fiscal trap.

The Army Corps of Engineers narrows its options for flood control in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota. AP and MPR have stories.

Flood watchers aim to improve forecasting.

The LCCMR approves 48 projects.

Minnesota hospitals have revised their visiting policies due to H1N1.

The Moose Lake Sex Offender Treatment Center has some new, large TVs that even the residents say aren't necessary.

Gang Strike Force claims stack up.

The Pawlenty Administration says its state funding recommendation for broadband is not a public document.

Congress

NPR has a fascinating series on how airlines are sending planes abroad to cut costs. Here's part one and part two.

Support for the public option surges in a Washington Post-ABC News poll.

The leader of Afghanistan is said to accept a runoff in that nation's election for president.

Iran says nuclear talks won't stop their nuclear enrichment plans.

The government unveils new mortgage help.

The feds say they won't arrest patients who use marijuana to treat their pain.

The White House also unveils its strategy regarding Sudan.

DFL Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken will attend a news conference today urging quick passage of the extension of unemployment benefits.

Klobuchar wants the Senate Majority Leader to give special consideration to legislation that would reduce the nation's debt.

DFL Sen. Al Franken is still working to pay off his recount debt.

The New York Times says Franken is in the "probably yes" camp when it comes to the Climate Change vote.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen held a hearing on the proposed taxes on health care. WCCO, the Star Tribune and Finance and Commerce have stories.

Paulsen called the tax "wrong headed" but Senate Finance Chair doesn't back down on the tax.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison joined the US Congressional Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says she supports a plan to send pink slips to members of Congress.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson's Ag Committee will mark up his financial derivatives bill on Wednesday. His fellow Blue Dogs have said little about legislation regulating the financial system.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Sarah Palin will visit Wisconsin.

The invites for Pawlenty's D.C. fundraiser has surfaced. Here's the pretzels and pints invite. Here's larger buck invite.

2010 Race for Governor

The Star Tribune says Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak broke some of his "self-imposed rules on political money that were a centerpiece of his maiden 2001 campaign."

The Republican candidates for governor will meet in a speed-dating forum tonight. DFLers speed-date tomorrow. Info here.

Former DFL state Sen. Steve Kelley officially kicked off his campaign for governor. Kelley, who abided by the endorsement during his gov run in 2006, won't commit to abiding by the endorsement this year. AP, the Pi Press, MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

You can listen to Kelley's announcement here.

The I-P is looking for its next Ventura.

2010 Race for Congress

DFL state Sen. Terri Bonoff said she's open to another run for Congress in Minnesota's 3rd District.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz has the highest percentage of contributions from in-state donors. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison has the lowest.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:05 AM on October 19, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The budget balancing committee may talk spending cuts at a hearing scheduled for today.

Gov. Pawlenty will talk flood mitigation in northwest Minnesota.

The state is lobbying snowbirds to be counted in Minnesota and not in the warmer state. The Star Tribune and MPR have stories.

There has been a big jump in the number of women seeking protection.

The Minnesota National Guard held a retreat for Military families.

Three pigs at the MN State Fair may have H1N1.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty scored poorly in a poll of GOP 2012 candidates.

Pawlenty heads to Washington D.C. later this week to raise money for his PAC.

Pawlenty also spoke to Western CPAC on Friday. He told KCAL that he has poor name recognition but he's not thinking about a run for president.

You can watch a part of the speech here.

Human Events said Pawlenty scored big points at the event.

The DFL hits Pawlenty on his new team and fundraisers.

Mitt Romney is ramping up the fundraising portion of his federal PAC.

Ron Paul is headed to Iowa.

Congress

President Obama praised the Senate health committee's vote.

His aides say he's not demanding the public option.

He also took aim at deceptive health ads.

The federal deficit tripled from a year ago but it's smaller than expected.

The electoral crisis in Afghanistan deepens.

The White House said it's linking its decision on troops to the Afghan election.

Massachusetts Democrat John Kerry said it would be a mistake for Obama to send more troops to Afghanistan right now.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen will hold a hearing today on the impact the health care reform bill will have on the medical device industry. He wrote an op-ed on the matter in the Pi Press.

The Washington Post picked up on the story as well.

DFL Sen. Al Franken wants dairy included in the Country of Origin Labeling.

The Star Tribune says Franken is keeping a low profile.

Franken skewered Mark de Bernardo, executive director of the Council for Employment Law Equity, on KBR's push to keep a KBR employee's alleged rape out of court.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum introduced the Global Food Security Act.

A North Carolina Republican Congresswoman calls on Congress to end all ties with a Muslim group. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.

Ellison called for better relations between Arab countries and the U.S.

Ellison also wrote an op-ed calling for a financial safety net for the rest of the nation.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson will revisit his derivatives bill.

Great Lakes shippers aren't happy about an EPA fuel proposal. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2010 Race for Governor

Former DFL state Sen. Steve Kelley officially kicks off his campaign for governor this morning.

Minnesota Brown posts an interview with Kelley.

The governor's race may impact the upcoming session.

2010 Race for Congress

Maureen Reed officially kicked off her campaign for Congress.

Reed's DFL opponent, state Sen. Tarryl Clark, received funds from DFL Rep. Keith Ellison, DFL Rep. Collin Peterson and DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar.

Reed's GOP opponent, Rep. Michele Bachmann, continues to raise more money than the other members of the delegation from individuals.

Bachmann will also hold a fundraiser to meet her financial commitment to the NRCC.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:13 AM on October 16, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The employment picture in Minnesota is not as rosy as the numbers suggest. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

Minnesota's exports are down 19 percent from last year.

The Pi Press says the state's mortgage crisis is far from over.

Minnesota hospitals begin the H1N1 vaccinations.

The Star Tribune reports that two top Metro Gang Strike Force leaders are part of an inquiry.

MPR says other agencies succeeded where the gang strike force failed, other agencies succeeded.

Groups are racing to find a replacement for GAMC.

A developer is targeting the Vikings and six other teams for a new stadium in Los Angeles.

Unbelted traffic deaths are more common in rural areas.

The state will have to revise its bonding bill revenues as a result of the tough fiscal times.

Congress

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar's transportation bill will have to wait. He also visited a transit hub in St. Paul.

Vice-President Joe Biden told a closed door fundraiser that things are getting better. Here's the pool report.

President Obama takes some heat from New Orleans residents.

Obama also signed a major Aid bill for Pakistan.

Republicans fail to block the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay. Here's the Roll Call on the vote.

ACORN's woes are making things difficult for Democrats.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann wants the Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools fired for what she and other lawmakers call "promotion of homosexuality."

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty is scheduled to speak before Western CPAC tonight.

The Washington Times said Pawlenty will also do some "friend raising" in California.

GOP Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana is raising eyebrows after visiting Iowa and South Carolina.

2010 Race for Governor

GOP state Rep. Marty Seifert says it's the governor's seat or bust. MPR, AP, the Star Tribune and the Marshall Independent have stories.

Here's a list of where the other "gov running" legislators stand.

A ton of DFL candidates will attend this weekend's Wellstone Dinner in St. Cloud.

2010 Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann raises a large sum of cash in the 6th District Race.

The Star Tribune says the DFL candidates in the 6th are tip-toeing around the health bill.

Two Republicans consider a run against DFL Rep. Tim Walz.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson gave money to the Congressman who made the "Die quickly"comments.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:10 AM on October 15, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The state will release Minnesota's unemployment rate for September this morning. Analysts are looking for signs of improvement in the report. Gov. Pawlenty hinted on Tuesday night that "Minnesota is separated, in a good way, from the national average."

The Pi Press says the long-term jobless see their safety net disappear.

Fourth and eighth graders continue to score near the top of the nation in math but the racial achievement gap is still problematic. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

Flu outbreaks continue to surge in Minnesota schools.

A committee looks at the costs of the mental health system in the justice system.

Congress

Vice-President Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood both visit Minnesota today. Biden will attend a private fundraiser in Edina. LaHood gives a speech at noon and tours the St. Paul Union Depot with DFL Rep. Betty McCollum this afternoon.

Federal indictments worry Somalis.

7,500 tax dodgers apply for amnesty under an IRS program.

Another GOP Senator is open to the health overhaul.

Proponents of the public option hold rallies in Minnesota.

President Obama seeks $250 payments to seniors.

Obama will visit New Orleans today.

Some Minnesota businesses are battling with the U.S. Chamber over climate change legislation.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar offers a student loan bill for service members.

Klobuchar spoke to the the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce last night.

The House allows states to sell funds linked to Iran. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

The New York Times profiles GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The paper also examines Politifact's fact-checking of Bachmann's statements.

Bachmann and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison top the list of House members who missed votes. Here's a round up of the entire delegation.

AT&T slams Google for call blocking. The service reportedly blocked calls to the campaign office of DFL Rep. Collin Peterson.

The House passed an aviation safety bill. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Oberstar and clean air advocates disagree over efforts to curb pollution on the Great Lakes.

Economy

The Dow broke 10,000 for the first time in more than a year.

2010 Race for Governor

Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball said Democrats have a good shot at winning Minnesota.

Social issues topped the first multi party candidate debate among candidates for governor. Eleven of the candidates participated in a hunger forum on Wednesday. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press, MPR, Forum Communications and ECM have stories.

You can listen to the full debate here.

City Pages profiles DFL state Rep. Paul Thissen.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty is headed to California today. He's scheduled to speak to the Western CPAC tomorrow.

The Star Tribune picks up on Jewish Week's story that former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is backing Gov. Pawlenty for president.

2010 Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen raised $317k in the 3rd Quarter. He has $725k left in the bank.

Bachmann raised $89,000 in one day.

Republican Aubrey Immelman may challenge GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann in the primary.

GOP Rep. John Kline kicked into some cash to a Republican running in New Mexico.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:32 AM on October 14, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Health care leads the Digest. In particular, the Senate Finance Committee which passed the health care reform bill on a bipartisan vote (Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe voted for the measure). The New York Times, NPR and CNN have stories.

MinnPost says DFL Sens. Amy Klobcuchar and Al Franken are seeking more changes to the bill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi predicts a House vote by Thanksgiving.

Insurers are Obama's top foes on the health reform bill in Congress.

Gov. Pawlenty offers his prescription for health care reform. It includes allowing Minnesotans to buy health insurance options from HMOs out of state. MPR, the Star Tribune, KARE, the Pi Press, AP and Forum Communications have stories.

Congress

President Obama said a decision on Afghnistan will be made "in the coming weeks."

Obama visited more countries than any other first year president did.

Obama has nominated a Minneapolis police officer as the first openly gay U.S. Marshall has been sworn in.

The Minnesota Independent wonders if Klobuchar and Franken fumbled the Patriot Act vote.

The House debates a Iran divestment measure. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

Another comic on GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is released.

Bachmann also blogged that a new stimulus bill could be on the way.

Under the Dome

MnDOT's minority hiring is down. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

The Minnesota Supreme Court convenes in Hibbing.

A Minnesota soldier in Iraq died from a gunshot wound to the head.

DFL Rep. Joe Atkins takes on Google voice.

2010

Today's bipartisan hunger forum is scheduled to draw a bipartisan group of gubernatorial candidates.

The Republican candidates will attend a forum in Big Stone County on Thursday.

Several of the candidates attended the Minnesota Business Partnership Dinner.

Others attended a Planned Parenthood event.

The candidates for Minneapolis Mayor are asking "Where's R.T.?"

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty will be out of the state for the rest of the week. He has events in Washington D.C. and California.

He says he wants more troops in Afghanistan and rips President Obama for spending. Pawlenty, however, doesn't say how he'll pay for the troop increase.

He spoke last night to the Minnesota Business Partnership and tried to compare the federal government to General Motors.

You can listen to the speech here.

Former New York Gov. George Pataki is headed to Iowa.

2010 Race for Congress

Minnesota's 3rd and 6th are "Republican favored" by Stu Rothenberg.

Will former Republican candidates for governor Allen Quist challenge DFL Rep. Tim Walz? "I'm not ready to comment," he told the Minnesota Independent.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:59 AM on October 13, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Digest leads today with Marine Staff Sgt. Aaron Taylor, of Two Harbors, and Guard Specialist George W. Cauley of Walker. The two men were killed in Afghanistan.

Congress

The federal stimulus chalks up nearly 12,000 jobs in Minnesota. An official with MMB said the pricetag is $20k/job. AP, MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

The Senate Finance Committee votes on the health care reform bill today.

Democrats say an Insurance Industry report on the health reform plan is flawed.

The New York Times says Congress is split on whether to tax costly health plans.

President Obama's approval rating jumps.

DFL Sen. Al Franken supports changes to the student loan program. MPR, WCCO and the Pi Press have stories.

Franken is also scheduled to speak to the National Jewish Democratic Council on October 20th.

Politifiact says GOP Rep. John Kline's statement that "under the hate crime bill, religious leaders could be prosecuted for preaching about sexual practices" is false.

The Muslim Coalition will hold an interfaith meeting on health care. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will attend.

Michele Bachmann's action figure isn't selling so well.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson offers his latest proposal to overhaul the financial derivatives market.

Under the Dome

Gov. Pawlenty holds a morning news conference to discuss health care reform.

State tax collections are $52 million short of projections in the last quarter.

Several Wisconsin and Minnesota lawmakers want Gov. Pawlenty and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle to salvage the reciprocity agreement that Pawlenty ended. Gov. Pawlenty told me two weeks ago that it won't happen.

A federal audit says the St. Paul Public Housing Agency misused funds. The agency denies the mishandling of the funds.

The wait time for beds for the homeless is getting longer.

2010 Race for Governor

MN House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said she isn't running for reelection as a state Rep.. It's governor or bust.

The Pi Press says the candidates are courting potential delegates.

2010 Race for Congress

Jim Meffert, a DFLer, considers a run for Congress against GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen.

DFLers Tarryl Clark and Maureen Reed released their fundraising numbers for the 3rd Quarter. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's campaign will release their figures later this week.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty has a busy speaking schedule this week.

The Hill also reports that Pawlenty is surrounding himself with former McCain for President staffers. Here's a list.

The Des Moines Register says there haven't been as many candidate visits to Iowa this year as the same time four years ago.

Norm Coleman is reportedly Tim Pawlenty's "main man" in the Jewish community. Pawlenty is scheduled to speak before the Republican Jewish Coalition this week. Norm Coleman did consultant work for the group.

The conservative Human Events takes a closer look at Pawlenty.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

Nassar Kazeminy is suing a former employee who sued him and alleged that he funneled money to former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman. The underlying lawsuit was dismissed in August.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:47 AM on October 12, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The 2010 governor's race leads the Digest today.

The Minnesota Nurses Association is backing DFL state Rep. Paul Thissen for governor.

Ten of the DFL candidates for governor debated the issues in Duluth. Northland News Center has a story on the debate. You can listen to the full debate here.

The Republican candidates will meet in a forum in Mounds View next week.

The Winona Tea Party sees a swelling in ranks. Former State Auditor Pat Anderson and state Rep. Tom Emmer, both GOP candidates for governor, are courting them.

Maureen Reed may run in a DFL primary against Tarryl Clark in Minnesota's 6th District.

Congress

HMOs are targeting the Senate health bill. They say the cost of the plan is off the mark.

The St. Cloud Times says companies are enlisting employees to help defeat the health reform bill.

President Obama promises to repeal "Don't ask, don't tell."

Obama also says he's weeks away from a decision on the Afghanistan.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz takes his constituents pulse on Afghanistan. The Winona Daily News and the Rochester Post-Bulletin have stories.

The Climate Change bill is making business owners in the Rust Belt uneasy.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will hold a meeting on Wall St. reform today. She wrote an op-ed saying credit ratings top the list for reform.

DFL Sen. Al Franken will discuss the cost of higher education at the U of M today.

MPR examines the effect of the stimulus bill. Franken and GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen are mentioned.

North Dakota's Public Service Commission is worried about Google voice's impact on rural residents. GOP Rep. John Kline, GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and DFL Rep. Collin Peterson are mentioned.

Minnesotans head to Washington D.C. for immigration reform. Klobuchar, Franken and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison are mentioned.

Ellison is also mentioned in this story saying some Muslims feel implicated in the war on terror.

The derivatives plan in the U.S. House moves closer to Obama's plan. Peterson is mentioned.

Congress may rewrite some of the most basic rules governing pilots. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

Minnesota nurses will rally against state health care cuts later today.

Minnesota fears a hefty hit for aiding the poor if the health care reform bill becomes law.

AP says state budgets got a boost from the cash for clunkers program.

Attorney General Lori Swanson is suing Ferrelgas.

The state food lab is getting $250k in federal funds.

The state expands the welfare fraud program.

The U of M seeks a $240 million bonding request.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty will privately speak to the Republican Metropolitan Committee tonight.

Pawlenty congratulates President Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize but still questions the award.

The Pi Press examines Pawlenty's shift on cap and trade.

Pawlenty's GOP rival, Mitt Romney, is visiting New Jersey and PA.

Finally

Sorry Twins. Go Phillies!

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:10 AM on October 9, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman made a stunning announcement when he said he wasn't running for governor. It was widely expected that Coleman would enter the race. MPR, the Star Tribune, AP and the Pi Press have stories.

Five of the DFL candidates for governor told MPR that Matt Entenza told them he would spend whatever it takes to win the governor's race.

Entenza and the other remaining DFL candidates for governor will attend a debate today in Duluth. The union, AFSCME, is hosting the debate.

Meanwhile, five of the GOP candidates for governor will attend a debate on Saturday in Washington County.

Pat Anderson, the Former State Auditor and current GOP candidate for Governor, writes an op-ed criticizing the Star Tribune's editorial board for saying the GOP field leaves room for a moderate.

Under the Dome

Many of the Midwestern governors met in Michigan and unite to draw green business. Gov. Pawlenty was not in attendance.

Members of the House Capital Investment Committee are predicting quick action on a bonding bill.

Minnesota investigators find sexual abuse at a St. Louis Park nursing home.

More drunken driving offenders are using an interlock ignition program.

A task force says the U of M has a big revenue problem.

12 northwest Minnesota counties have been declared a disaster area.

Minnesota nurses will march on Pawlenty's office to protest his budget cuts.

Minnesota's seatbelt use his 90 percent.

DFL Rep. John Lesch has signed up with the Minnesota National Guard to be an infantryman.

The RNC 8 attorneys want the trials consolidated.

Congress

President Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

The award comes at a time when Obama is trying to decide whether to send more troops into Afghanistan.

The Washington Post says the U.S. will try to weaken not vanquish the Taliban.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz attended a White House meeting on Afghanistan.

Republicans, like GOP Rep. John Kline, wanted key Defense personnel at a classified White House briefing on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Obama will sign a bill to help U.S. Dairy farmers.

A Quinnipiac Poll says Republicans are getting their lowest grades since President Obama was elected.

The House votes to expand the definition of hate crimes. The Star Tribune says "Minnesota's House delegation was split. Voting "yes" were Democrats Ralph Ellison, Betty McCollum, Jim Oberstar, and Tim Walz and Republican Erik Paulsen. Voting "no" were Republicans Michele Bachmann and John Kline and Democrat Collin Peterson."

Democratic women in the U.S. Senate speak about health care. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

Unemployment benefits have been extended for Minnesotans under a Senate bill. Klobuchar is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz said he's open to the idea of a soda tax.

DFL Sen. Al Franken signed a letter supporting the public option in the final health bill. Klobuchar did not sign the letter.

Franken also wants to end tax breaks for drug company marketing.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen blogs about free trade.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison said a Muslim group paid $13,500 for his trip to Saudi Arabia. He disclosed the amount after an Ethics Committee said he should report the cost.

The DNC goes after GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann over her health care claims.

Bill O'Reilly wonders whether Democrats are attacking Bachmann because of her looks.

Bachmann signed on to a letter that raises concerns that Google voice will harm rural consumers.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty was in Atlanta yesterday to attend RGA meetings.

A constitutional scholar says history is on Mitt Romney's side to win the Republican nomination.

Finally

Congress will look into the Vikings case.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:36 AM on October 8, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty is headed to Iowa, fueling speculation that he's on track for a 2012 run. AP, the Washington Post and the Star Tribune have stories.

The Des Moines Register says Pawlenty was the second choice of the Iowa GOP. They were aiming for Sarah Palin.

The DFL mocks Pawlenty's travel.

Conservatives are also saying Pawlenty should investigate ACORN.

Pawlenty says he's already doing it.

Under the Dome

MnSCU's enrollment increased seven percent.

The Commissioner of Public Safety wants video in every squad car. He also released a new plan for the anti-gang unit. The Star Tribune and MPR have stories.

The Rochester Post-Bulletin has a story saying MnDOT should go through Rochester.

Some Minnesota clergy will endorse gay marriage rights.

The Star Tribune looks at stimulus money coming to Minnesota.

Congress

The Senate Health bill will cost $829 billion and will reduce the deficit.

Pawlenty also doubts the CBO and complains of the taxes in the health reform bill during an appearance on Fox Business.

President Obama's national security team meets on Afghnistan.

U.S. support for the Afghan war declines.

Lawmakers offer plans for detainees.

Democrats may extend tax credits for homes.

The U.S. Senate approves an apology to American Indians.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she backs the value added tax.

Senate Democrats say they may be open to expanding nuclear energy to climate change bill. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz and DFL Rep. Betty McCollum want bills on the internet for 72 hours before a vote.

Walz also said he doesn't think a vote to strip Charlie Rangel's Ways and Means Chairmanship "will have a big impact" on him.

Pork Producers request federal help. Walz, GOP Rep. John Kline, DFL Rep. Collin Peterson and DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar are mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline wants a review of ACORN and federal programs.

GOP Erik Paulsen wrote an op-ed warning of a financial iceberg dead ahead.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann said on CNN's Larry King "I have no reason to doubt that he wasn't born in the United States. I have none. The only place that this issue comes up is on the left. You don't hear people on the right bringing this issue up."

Bachmann also sits down for an interview with the Financial Times where she said "People are beginning to realize that Obama is a socialist," said Ms Bachmann. "And that is not the way America is."

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison makes a wager with a New York City based Congressman over the Twins/Yankees series.

The Upper Midwest's largest solar farm breaks ground.

2010

Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball says Minnesota's governor's race will put on a "circus" for the rest of the nation to see.

The St. Paul Legal Ledger says there's buzz around GOP state Sen. Julie Rosen.

Finally

A Minnesota soldier, Major Tad Hervas of Coon Rapids, died in Iraq.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:44 AM on October 7, 2009 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

President Obama's Afghan strategy divides lawmakers.

Vice-President Joe Biden will visit Minnesota next week. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

Support builds for a tax credit to encourage businesses to hire.

Bloomberg said Obama is looking at ways to stem job cuts without a second stimulus. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Obama's approval rating jumps.

President Obama will meet with the Dalai Lama in November.

The Senate passes an amendment proposed by DFL Sen. Al Franken that is aimed at Defense contractors.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann asks Gov. Pawlenty to expand his probe of ACORN.

Bachmann also called for a strong investigation into non-profits.

The U.S. and the E.U. resume open skies talk. Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

One in five banks is on the regulator watch list.

Minnesota details 135 stimulus related jobs.

Gov. Pawlenty appointed four judges.

2010

The Pi Press takes a look at the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul and their prospective runs for Mayor and possibly governor.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Republican backed Eva Ng square off in their first debate. The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

The Star Tribune says the city of Minneapolis invested in job training and it paid off. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is mentioned.

The St. Cloud Times looks at GOP Rep. Dan Severson's decision to run for Secretary of State.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak rips Pawlenty.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:35 AM on October 6, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Now that the Vikings have won last night's Super Bowl, the attention turns to housing for the purple. I'm joking about the Super Bowl but now about the purple push for a new stadium. A Republican state lawmaker wants slots to pay for a new Vikings stadium. But DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher downplayed any action next session. MPR, the Star Tribune, AP, the Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.

Many Minnesotans are at the end of jobless benefits.

A six year old dies of H1N1.

A Minnesota panel will look at the health of state banks today.

Minnesota lawmakers look at cheap ways to end poverty.

Congress

The White House says President Obama will not pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan.

Obama will also speak to a gay rights group this weekend.

Obama's Administration is also working to fix the employment safety net.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wants a mandatory recall of all tainted food.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will speak in Minnesota next week.

DFL Sen. Al Franken backs federal regulation of Internet Service Providers.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is pushing a transportation bill.

The first VA clinic in Alexandria opens its doors.

Health Reform

MPR looks at whether average folks can afford mandatory health insurance.

MPR also looks at zip code, income and education have an impact on health.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says she's sick of talk that the health care reform bill should be bipartisan.

DFL Rep. Michele Bachmann said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will beat the Blue Dogs to death over the public option.

Six protesters were arrested outside of UnitedHealth Group's headquarters.

2010

Matt Entenza tries to explain his decision to hire someone to "research" Mike Hatch in 2006.

The Minnesota Daily profiles Kelliher.

Pawlenty for Prez

Newt Gingrich says Gov. Pawlenty should run for president.

The Hill says Pawlenty is vying in the "invisible primary." The newspaper reports he'll speak to the Republican Jewish Coalition next week.

Survey USA said Pawlenty's approval rating has dipped. Smart Politics has some analysis.

Missed this one yesterday. The Washington Times interviews Pawlenty.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:26 AM on October 5, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Somalia's President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed leads the Digest today. During a speech at the U of M, he criticized terrorism. KARE, MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

Under the Dome

Minnesota's fingerprints are all over this fascinating New York Times story that looks at e coli and the path of ground beef. The Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota based Cargill are mentioned.

A Republican lawmaker will introduce legislation today that would fund a new Vikings stadium. GOP Rep. Tom Hackbarth introduced a bill last year that would let voters decide if a Twin Cities Casino should be built and the funding be dedicated for a new stadium. Pete and Repeat are on a fence?

The House Capital Investment Committee will visit Bemidji this week to consider local projects for the bonding bill.

The U of M's Board of Regents will meet this week to approve the school's bonding bill requests.

Industry experts say many nursing homes across the country are perilously close to closing.

A funding feud over pensions in the City of Minneapolis is headed to court.

Congress

The U.S. Ag Secretary speaks at the U of M today.

National Security Adviser Jim Jones says Afghanistan is in no immediate danger of falling.

President Obama delays a meeting with the Dalai Lama.

States are concerned about Medicaid growth in the health reform bill.

A government watchdog says the federal government wasn't entirely open about the financial health of banks. That hurt public support for TARP funds.

The new U.S. Supreme Court term looks at business regulations.

GOP leaders in Congress tell the head of the RNC to back off.

Smart Politics wonders whether DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken are exceeding expectations.

The Wall St. Journal covers the medical device tax in the health reform bill. Klobuchar and Franken are mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline hits the Obama Administration on the unemployment report.

The Hill picks up on DFL Rep. Betty McCollum's efforts to crack down on corporations that have been convicted of felonies.

The Daily Digest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congress

Eight U.S. soldiers were killed in Afghanistan.

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

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

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

President Obama said health insurance reform will help small business.

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

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

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

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

A GAO report poses some tough questions for ethanol.

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

DFL Rep. Tim Walz visited Windom.

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

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

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

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

Under the Dome

The health department says three Minnesotans died of H1N1.

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

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

Somalia

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

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

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

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

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

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

2010 Race for Congress

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

Reed hires some campaign staff.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:29 AM on October 2, 2009 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

President Obama delivered an ultimatum to Iran.

Iran agrees to give up enriched uranium.

Obama also met with General McChrystal, the U.S. Commander in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is leaning toward sending more troops to Afghanistan.

The Senate voted to summon McChrystal to testify before Congress.

President Obama makes his pitch to the Olympic Committee on behalf of Chicago.

The Senate panel is softening insurance penalties in the health care reform bill.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said a public option will be in the final bill.

Democrats are also closing ranks over health care reform.

Medical device makers are pressing the Senate on a proposed tax. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

Target must pay $600 thousand for selling toys with lead paint. Klobuchar is mentioned.

Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken want to help hog and dairy farmers.

Franken opens an office in St. Paul.

GOP Rep. John Kline introduces legislation that would link performance pay for teachers.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison defends the controversial comments of a colleague.

The White House holds a forum on AIDS in Minneapolis tonight. Ellison is mentioned.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann warns of abortions at school.

Bachmann continues to raise ACORN everywhere she can. That includes a Financial Services Committee hearing that featured Fed Chair Ben Bernanke.

Newsweek examines the controversy over the U.S. Census. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is mentioned.

A senate panel looking at climate change legislation examines carbon offsets. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty heads to Rapid City, SD today.

Gov. Pawlenty brings in some political heavyweights to advise him about his federal PAC. The Star Tribune, the Fix, MPR and AP have stories.

The DNC rips Pawlenty for hiring "more of the same." They produced this web video.

Pawlenty tells Fox News that "I'm not trying to be cute or coy" about a 2012 run.

Jim Geraghty with the National Review isn't fully convinced about a strong 2012 bid.

Pawlenty also has a fundraiser scheduled in Washington D.C. later this month.

Under the Dome

Gov. Pawlenty and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle make some wagers on this weekend's football games.

DFL state Rep. Jeremy Kalin pushes for a federal climate change bill.

The Vikings make their case for a new stadium.

2010

DFLers attended a forum hosted by the AFL-CIO. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner formally announced her bid for governor after being in the race for two years. You can listen to her speech here.

The GOP candidates for governor square off at a debate tonight. A straw poll of party activists will be taken tomorrow at the MNGOP State Party Convention.

MinnPost looks at the race in the 6th.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:43 AM on October 1, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The flu leads the digest today.

134 schools report H1N1 outbreaks.

MPR says the first doses of the H1N1 vaccine will go to health workers.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty filed the paperwork today for the Freedom First PAC, his federal political action committee. He also restarted his website.

Politico, MPR and AP have a look at his campaign team.

Smart Politics examines whether Pawlenty could win the presidency without Minnesota.

Arizona Sen. John McCain said he's willing to host a fundraiser for Pawlenty if he visits the state. McCain recently held an event for Mitt Romney.

Under the Dome

Gov. Pawlenty is going to give broadband stimulus funds to telecoms.

Pawlenty also says the state has work to do to be more business friendly.

Minnesota and Wisconsin lawmakers want to reinstate the tax reciprocity agreement.

A study favors a high-speed rail line that goes through Rochester as opposed to along the Mississippi River.

Fox9 says hospitals are undergoing significant cuts.

140 thousand kids in Minnesota are living in poverty.

The Census says Minnesota is among the leaders in welfare spending.

Dakota County is freezing non-union wages.

The Vikings are preparing another stadium push.

Attorney General Lori Swanson is suing two out-of-state companies for selling allegedly fraudulent health insurance coverage to the uninsured.

The state's road projects are safe despite the transportation act expiration.

Minnesota groups oppose nuclear waste reprocessing.

Congress

The Minneapolis Fed picks a new leader.

President Obama is hunkering down to decide a strategy in Afghanistan.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar makes a health reform appeal to women.

DFL Sen. Al Franken offers a health insurance bill.

Franken and former GOP Sen. David Durenberger wrote an op-ed saying the status quo is costing billions.

Republicans are criticizing a Democrat who said a Republican plan for health reform is to "die quickly."

The health bill is on track for a committee vote in the Senate.

Senate Majority Harry Reid cancels the October recess to pass health reform.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz said the U.S. may do everything right in Afghanistan and still fail.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum presented her bill to target corporations that commit felonies.

A community discussion on AIDS will occur on Friday in Minneapolis. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar wants the Senate to extend the transportation bill.

The Senate passes a bill to avoid a government shutdown.

The Supreme Court will review a state gun law and a Patriot Act provision.

Nike to quit a Chamber of Commerce post to protest the business lobby's climate change legislation.

General Motors will close Saturn after Penske Motors pulls out of a deal.

2010

The AFL-CIO holds a gubernatorial campaign forum today. AFSCME will hold one next week.

Supporters of Ron Paul are lining up behind Pat Anderson's campaign for governor.

The Republican candidates for governor join a call to probe ACORN.

Other

The President of Somalia is making a rare visit to the Twin Cities.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:15 AM on September 30, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Health care leads the digest today.

A key senate panel rejects the "public option."

A study shows that Minnesota has a lot to lose if health care reform fails.

AP fact-checks President Obama's claims of hardship regarding health care.

Obama will announce $5 billion in research grants.

The Senate is set to release a bill that aims to reduce greenhouse gases.

The U.S. and Cuba held unannounced talks.

A GOP Rep. says Obama is an "enemy of humanity."

The White House taps a Minnesota legislator to head an energy-working group.

The Treasury Secretary is making the case for quick action on financial reform.

Congress has banks rethinking overdraft fees.

A former Democratic fundraiser is sentenced for fraud.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants congressional action on obesity and safety.

The Hill says DFL Sen. Al Franken is trying to be low-key.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz encourages public discussion on Afghanistan. He made the comments on MPR's Midday.

GOP Rep. John Kline writes an op-ed on his hope to fully fund IDEA at schools.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says she's introducing the ACORN act to stop corporations convicted of a felony from receiving federal funds. She dubbed it The Against Corporations Organizing to Rip-off the Nation Act of 2009 (ACORN Act).

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann poses for a conservative calendar.

The transportation bill delay could stall state projects. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

Gov. Pawlenty and Republicans in the MN House and Senate continue their business round table talks today.

The Rochester High Speed Rail backers will hold a press conference today on a new study. Who wants to bet that it says high-speed rail should go through Rochester?

A conservative group and some GOP candidates for governor will call for a formal investigation into ACORN's activities in Minnesota.

Attorney General Lori Swanson will announce today that she's suing two out of state insurance companies for fraud.

She also sued an employment agency.

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion outlines his ideas for a new anti-gang unit.

The Senate Transportation Chair says he will work to pass a bill that requires cell phone use to be "hands free cell." Gov. Pawlenty doesn't support it.

The MPCA fines a dairy $10,000 for spilling manure.

The PUC approves a rate increase for Xcel Energy but it isn't as big as the company wants.

MnDOT will meet with critics over minority hiring.

2010

Patty Wetterling backs Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner for governor.

MinnPost says the Teamsters decision to back R.T. Rybak for governor even though he isn't officially running for governor is unusual.

What if the mayors of St. Paul or Minneapolis are elected governor? Here's a checklist of what happens next.

Unions and former Vice-President Walter Mondale back Tarryl Clark for Congress.

Former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman pens a fundraising letter for GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty appeared on the Fred Thompson Radio show. You can listen to it here.

Gov. Pawlenty hires a high profile campaign attorney.

WCCO executives tell DFLers that they won't make changes to the governor's show.

Pawlenty speaks in Rapid City, SD on Friday night.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:33 AM on September 29, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Politics of all sorts lead the Digest today.

The Minnesota Poll says most of those polled don't back Pawlenty running for president. Half, however, say there was a good chance or some chance they would vote for him if he was on the ballot in 2012.

The candidates for governor claim $23,000 in legislative expenses since June. DFL Sen. Tom Bakk and GOP Rep. Marty Seifert took the most.

This weekend's GOP straw poll could give us an idea of the top choices for governor.

The GOP candidates for governor also met in a forum last night in Prior Lake. Here's a brief look.

The Marshall Independent takes a look at GOP state Rep. Tom Emmer, who is running for governor.

The MNGOP complains about the campaigning by mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis (for governor nor not mayor).

The Minnesota poll says DFL Sen. Al Franken has an approval rating of 41%.

Under the Dome

Crime victims in Minnesota get help from the stimulus.

Xcel Energy is awaiting a vote on its proposed rate increase.

A new subcommittee will study Minnesota's budget problems and make recommendations to the Legislature.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools vote to close six schools.

The USDA says Minnesota's soybean harvest is behind pace.

The New York Times looks at efforts to outlaw efforts to require health insurance. GOP Rep. Tom Emmer and DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (both candidates for governor) are mentioned.

Congress

President Obama will go to Denmark to make the case for the Chicago Olympics bid.

The abortion fight complicates the health care debate.

The Mankato Free-Press says mega projects tilt stimulus spending in Minnesota. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

Smart Politics wonders if Ron Paul is converting GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann to libertarianism.

A Minnesota delegation visited China and isn't hopeful that the Asian country will allow pork imports in. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar takes exception with a story saying the federal government is wasting money on general aviation.

Former White House adviser Karl Rove will speak at several higher education institutions in Minnesota this week.

More Pawlenty for Prez Watch

The Washington Post says federal PACs (like the one Pawlenty will set up soon) have become slush funds.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:58 AM on September 28, 2009 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty and MnDOT's Commissioner will hold a news conference this afternoon to announce new 35W features that will help relieve congestion.

Former DFL Congressman Martin Sabo and GOP Gov. Al Quie will issue a report today on "Minnesota's Financial Challenge."

Hennepin County will have a bare bones budget.

Cabin owners balk at higher fees.

Minnesota says $1 billion in stimulus funds has been spent.

A House task force discussed ways to create more jobs in MN.

Congress

The White House is starting to count votes on the health care legislation.

Obama also says he wants kids to be in school for a longer period of time.

The Minnesota poll says support for Obama has declined sharply.

Iran conducts a third round of missile tests.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says the U.S. must impose sanctions against Iran.

Klobuchar praises new e-waste standards.

Bloomberg says prevailing wage requirements are slowing states from providing recovery act dollars. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison gets an award for his legislation that would protect renters.

More than a thousand people attended a rally hosted by GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Congressman Ron Paul on Friday night.

You can listen to the rally here.

Bachmann also attended a conservative forum in St. Louis.

Farmers are worried about the proposed cap and trade legislation. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

2010

The DFL follows the MNGOP and moves the 2010 state convention from June to April.

The DFL candidates for governor gathered on Saturday.

The GOP candidates will gather tonight in Prior Lake.

The Teamsters Union backs Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak for governor. He's not formally in the race yet.

Speaking of not being in the race yet, the Pi Press examines who would replace St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman if he became governor.

The Pi Press profiles MNGOP Chair Tony Sutton.

MinnPost examines the impact of the Independence Party on the race.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty rips President Obama's health care plan while campaigning in Michigan.

He also said the GOP should recruit in urban areas.

Pawlenty defends national politicking.

The former chair of the FEC will reportedly head Pawlenty's PAC.

John McCain will hold a fundraiser for Mitt Romney's PAC.

Finally

Good-bye William Safire.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:17 AM on September 25, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Mayors are wading into the 2010 governor's race by urging the public to ask candidates where they stand on LGA cuts.

Cities are mulling utility service fees to offset state aid cuts.

Budget cuts also slice into child care in Olmsted County.

Winona County lawmakers say they'll also work to reverse Gov. Pawlenty's decision to end tax reciprocity with Wisconsin.

Xcel trims its electricity hike request.

The U of M gets $75 million in stimulus money.

Minnesota also got $3 million in energy aid.

An audit finds financial problems at a Hastings Veterans Home.

The State PCA is set to release the list of impaired waters.

The USDA will fund Mississippi River conservation in 12 states.

Minnesota is getting federal money for a health tracking website and to create an environmental health website.

Congress

President Obama says Iran has a secret nuclear facility.

The U.N. approves a resolution that would get rid of nukes.

Tempers flare as Senators debate Medicare.

The Senate Minority Leader says Medicare will cost Democrats in 2010.

The Star Tribune says Minnesota jumps into the lobbying scrum on health care.

It will now be the G-20 instead of the G-8.

Justice Ginsberg was taken to the hospital.

GOP Rep. John Kline says the White House has crossed the line over the NEA flap.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Congressman Ron Paul hold an event at the U of M tonight.

Bachmann is also expected to attend an event in St. Louis.

A proposal to give the Great Lakes a new ice breaker moves forward. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

The EPA will delay issuing regulations to establish renewable fuel volume biofuel requirements after pressure from farm state lawmakers like DFL Rep. Collin Peterson.

The House ban on ACORN may be unconstitutional.

2009

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is expected to cruise to reelection. Is the governor's race next?

The MNGOP is jumping on a story that said St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will attend a gubernatorial forum.

2010

Many of the DFL candidates met in a forum in St. Cloud.

Former State Auditor (and current GOP governor candidate) Pat Anderson says Marty Seifert is wrong on whether the Minnesota Constitution would allow for school vouchers.

Democrats have taken a fundraising hit in Congress.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

AP says Pawlenty's federal PAC can collect money from lobbyists during the legislative session and he can also ask for much much more than the state limit (and from lobbyists).

Pawlenty and one his 2012 rivals, Mitt Romney are both headed to Michigan on Saturday.

Pawlenty isn't making some 2012 polls. Good news or bad news for him?

Pawlenty pushes for a 15% ethanol blend.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:42 AM on September 24, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The 2010 race for governor leads the digest today. We're fourteen months away from the election but candidates are meeting in forums and working the delegates on a pretty regular basis. Many of the DFL candidates will participate in a debate tonight in St. Cloud.

MPR says the DFL gubernatorial candidates are candid about tax hikes.

Meanwhile, the GOP candidates will meet in a debate/forum on Monday in Prior Lake. Several are also holding news conferences and preparing for a straw poll at the State Party Convention in October.

GOP State Rep. Marty Seifert outlined his vision for the state if he's elected governor. The Pi Press has a look. You can listen to his news conference here.

The AP rolls Seifert's newser in with Tuesday's newser from GOP state Rep. Paul Kohls. Kohls wants to slash state spending to 2004-2005 levels.

The Capitol Report says GOP state Rep. Tom Emmer is gaining traction among GOP activists.

WCCO says the GOP candidates are running to the right in the days leading up to the straw poll of GOP activists.

The group of city mayors will announce an ad campaign today to push LGA into the debate.

The MNGOP filed a complaint with the MN Campaign Finance Board regarding St. Paul Mayor's Chris Coleman's travel.

Under the Dome

Gov. Pawlenty says the state's structural balance problems will not be as bad as some are projecting.

The U.S. GAO says state deficits will continue despite the federal stimulus.

The state has put up for bid most of the projects targeted for transportation from the Recovery Act.

The stimulus will also pay for new light poles on some metro highways.

Economy

The world's economic powers gather in Pittsburgh.

The Federal Reserve says the economic recovery has begun but difficulties remain in getting out of the safety net created over the last 18 months.

A report says looming foreclosures will hammer home prices.

Minnesota's delegation supports the extension of jobless benefits.

Congress

President Obama told the UN not to expect the U.S. to do it all.

Obama also made gains in building support on preventing a nuclear Iran.

Obama is set to use current law to support indefinite detentions of terrorism suspects.

Former VP Walter Mondale says race is drawing some of Obama's foes.

The NBC/WSJ poll says for the first time independents disapprove of Obama.

Bullets are also flying off of the shelves since Obama was elected.

The White House seeks changes to education law.

Gov. Pawlenty and several other governors urge Congress to get rid of a proposed tax on medical devices.

Senators spar over the proposed health plan's effect on seniors.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz defends House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from criticism that she's throwing conservative and centrist Democrats overboard.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says the Center for Medicare Services is intending to bully and gag HMOs that provide Medicare. The blog post, however, is misleading because it wasn't the communication with members but the appearance that the letters were official letters from CMS and not Humana.

The House is set to vote on Medicare premium hikes.

The Star Tribune digs deeper into whether Bachmann spent taxpayer money on constituent mail that went to people who live outside of her district.

GOP Rep. John Kline opposes legislation that would ban firings due to sexual orientation.

DFL Sen. Al Franken wants labeling on household products.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson opposes any efforts to give more authority to the SEC.

The House approves an extension of the FAA law. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Delays in approving the Highway Trust fund are making things difficult for states. Oberstar is mentioned.

An interim replacement for Ted Kennedy's seat will be announced.

A NEA conference call appeared to urge artists to endorse White House positions.

A U.S. Census Bureau worker was found hanged in Kentucky.

The IRS severed ties with ACORN.

ACORN sues the makers of the video that got them in all of this trouble.

ACORN is also shutting down its tax clinics but will continue to register voters.

2010 Other

Stu Rothenberg says the 6th (GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann) and the 3rd (GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen) are GOP favored. The 1st (DFL Rep. Tim Walz) is not on the watch list.

A Republican jumps in the race for State Auditor.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty is headed to Michigan this weekend.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:46 AM on September 23, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty's footsie with a 2012 run leads the digest today. It's clear that Pawlenty is positioning himself for a possible (if not probable) run for president. He's setting up fundraisers (more later) and shifting some policies to be more acceptable to GOP voters. One example of that is his position on efforts to reduce global warming. MPR reports that Pawlenty is backing off support for cap and trade as an attempt to reduce climate change.

Gov. Pawlenty sends out a fundraising letter urging support for a federal Political Action Committee that will be created in a few weeks. The move is the latest sign that he's considering a run for president in 2012. The Star Tribune, CNN, AP, the Pi Press, The Fix, MPR and NBC all have stories.

You can read Pawlenty's fundraising letter here.

The DNC rips Pawlenty as a part-time governor.

But Red State says the DNC shouldn't be criticizing part-time politicians since DNC Chair Tim Kaine is also serving as Virginia Governor.

The Atlantic Monthly details where the 2012 candidates stand on PAC dough.

The Hill handicaps the 2012 field.

Anyone planning on measuring the drapes in the White House for Pawlenty should look at this poll first. It says Obama is in the same place he was on Election Day in terms of support.

KARE reports that former GOP Gov. Arne Carlson says Pawlenty should "do the job he was elected to do."

Under the Dome

The University of Minnesota sues over Central Corridor concerns. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and KSTP have stories.

The Minnesota Attorney General sues debt aid companies. MPR, KARE, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

Lawmakers debate how to dismantle the millions of dollars left in the Metro Gang Strike force bank accounts. MPR, KARE and the Pi Press have stories.

Meanwhile, the Star Tribune reports that an ex Strike Force member was fired by Minneapolis.

The AP says states are taking aim at ACORN but there is little money at stake.

The Northland's News Center gauges opinion on Pawlenty's decision to end tax reciprocity with Wisconsin.

New license plates will be available for those killed in action. AP and MinnPost have stories.

Fox9 says Richfield residents will have to pay for street lights to make up for cuts in state aid.

WCCO says cities are offering incentives to buy foreclosed homes.

An appeals court rules than the DNR's iron mine impact study followed the law.

Congress

President Obama delivers his first address to the UN this morning.

He also urges the Israelis and Palestinians to do more.

A poll says the public is pessimistic about Afghanistan.

The Senate bill has been changed to alter how Medicare payments are made to reward states that provide low cost, high quality care. That's good news for Minnesota.

But the Senate Finance Chair left a tax on the medical device industry in the bill.

Mayo says changes are still needed in Obama's plan.

The NBC/Wall St. Journal poll says the GOP would be to blame if health care reform doesn't pass.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison praises the public option.

A Senate probe into Medtronic and the University of Minnesota has broadened.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says he hopes financial reform could be wrapped up by the end of the year. The Chairs of the SEC and CFTC urge tougher rules on the industry.

A hearing was held on the proposed passenger bill of rights. Changes on the amount of time an airline can keep passengers on a plane are being proposed. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

U of M basketball coach Tubby Smith pushes health care reform. Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken are mentioned. AP and the Star Tribune have stories.

Complaints mount that telephone townhalls are rigged.

Actors like Will Ferrell and John Hamm rip insurance company executives.

President Obama's campaign organization will hold a rally at GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's Friday event with Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

Massachusetts is set to replace Ted Kennedy.

United Airlines will provide service from Chicago to Duluth. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2010

The Republican backed St. Paul mayoral candidate criticizes DFL Mayor Chris Coleman's use of travel outside of the city. Eva Ng made the criticism on the same day she held a fundraiser outside of St. Paul.

GOP state Rep. Paul Kohls wants to slash state spending to 2004-2005 levels. MinnPost and MPR have details.

Finally

Happy Birthday Colleen. You're the most patient and caring person I know. The lil' man thinks you're ok too.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:24 AM on September 22, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

World leaders converge on New York City to talk climate change.

He says unemployment will persist for another year.

The Senate Finance Chair alters the health bill.

The House may extend unemployment benefits.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann continues to put pressure on ACORN. She wants the White House to cut ACORN cash.

The Justice Department launches an investigation into ACORN.

Bachmann also flacked for a conservative web site run by Fox News.

The FCC proposes net neutrality rules.

Mayo spent $120,000 in the first six months this year to lobby Congress for the Southern Rail Corridor

Under the Dome

State lawmakers will hold a hearing today on how the Department of Public Safety will return cash and property seized by the Metro Gang Strike Force.

Attorney General Lori Swanson, a Democrat, will announce a lawsuit against debt aid companies this morning.

Gov. Pawlenty will introduce "Gold Star" families license plates today.

The Star Tribune says more Minnesota jobless could see their benefits run out.

A survey shows disparities in health coverage for Minnesota kids.

The U.S. Census says more Twin Cities residents are staying put amidst struggling income and home sales.

A school in Lakeville loses a quarter of its students to a "flu-like" sickness.

Minnesota gets stimulus money to help with energy costs.

The U of M seeks more participants in the Iron Range health study.

Metro Transit gets $1 million for new buses.

2010

President Obama will hold a fundraiser for the Democratic Governor's Association.

Vice-President Joe Biden says if the GOP does well it will be a step back for Obama.

Former U.S. Senate Mark Dayton said he hopes voters consider his record.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Pawlenty downplays the straw poll results.

Other

Rasmussen releases a poll on Pawlenty, DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL Sen. Al Franken and health care.

Finally

The funniest protest signs of 2009.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:18 AM on September 21, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty's decision not to release his public schedule leads the Digest today. The Star Tribune examines Pawlenty's action since he announced he wasn't running for reelection. This isn't the first time Pawlenty refused to release his private schedule but a possible run for president has increased the scrutiny of his whereabouts.

You can also keep track of Pawlenty's out of state travel with this map.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pawlenty will hold two public events today after making two campaign stops out of the state over the weekend. He finished third in a GOP straw poll of social conservative voters.

He got a warm welcome at the Values Voter Summit.

The Hotline said Pawlenty tried to distinguish himself from two of his political rivals.

You can listen to his speech here.

Pawlenty also spoke in Ohio on Saturday night.

The DNC also targeted Pawlenty.

One conservative blogger said Pawlenty is another John McCain.

Pawlenty also accidentally ran a phone sex line on his radio.

Health Care

The toughest test is coming for health reform.

President Obama says a requirement for health insurance is not a tax increase.

He also outlined his core principles.

The Washington Post wonders whether The Mayo Clinic a miracle or a mirage.

A Minnesota group will examine the German health system.

GOP Rep. John Kline held a townhall on Friday.

Congress

The top general in Afghanistan warns that the war could fail if they don't get more troops sent to the country.

President Obama hopes to meet with Netanyahu and Abbas in NYC.

President Obama favors an investigation into ACORN.

The stimulus means work for state archaeologists.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar supports a ban on texting while driving.

Fallen soldiers are sometimes forced to wait weeks or months for full honor burials. DFL Sen. Al Franken is mentioned.

The liberal blog, MNPublius, says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is sending constituent mail (funded by taxpayers) to other folks, including Colorado residents.

The St. Cloud Times says the ACORN scandal puts Bachmann in the spotlight.

Bachmann also spoke at the Values Voter Summit.

Corporations criticize derivative regulation. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

U.S. Power companies are also criticizing the plan. Peterson is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is one of several lawmakers who says urgent issues are being put off.

The Bemidji Airport receives a federal grant. Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

Minnesota ended tax reciprocity with Wisconsin. That means people who work in one state but live in the other have to fill out two forms.

Federal delays stall alternative energy projects in Minnesota.

Minnesota continues to have the highest foreclosure rate in the Upper Midwest.

Some cities are switching on street light fees.

2010

Former GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad opens the door to a possible run for governor. He closed the door in July.

Forum Communications says the governor's race keeps the political world abuzz.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:22 AM on September 18, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty hits the campaign trail again this weekend. He'll be speaking at the Values Voter Summit this evening and to the Ohio Republican Party on Saturday night.

While Pawlenty says he isn't sure about a 2012 run, his name will be on a straw poll ballot at the Values Voter Summit.

The Star Tribune says Pawlenty is taking a turn to the right.

Gov. Pawlenty elaborates on his decision to cut off funds from ACORN. ACORN currently receives no money from the state.

Pawlenty ranks second on The Fix's list of most influential Republicans.

Under the Dome

The Pi Press says classrooms are getting more crowded.

The Star Tribune says larger school districts are relying on their reserves.

The Metro Gang Strike Force will give back some seized property.

More nursing home abuse is reported.

A poverty survey says Minnesotans are cutting back.

Minnesota's jobless rate dips slightly but it's because fewer people are looking for work.

The state tightens guidelines on the youngest kids with flu symptoms.

Almost sixty school districts prep voter levies.

Congress

Democrats are unhappy with a tax in the Senate health bill.

Health care ad spending will top $100 million.

The head of the AMA spoke about health reform in Rochester.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will talk to Minnesota doctors on health care.

GOP Rep. John Kline holds a townhall tonight on health care.

President Obama awards his first medal of honor. MPR's News Cut takes a look at the struggle the young man's parents still deal with.

The House votes to cut off funding for ACORN. Here's how the delegation voted. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's elated by the move.

Politico says House GOP leadership may be worried about Bachmann.

GOP Rep. John Kline fails to block a student loan proposal in the House.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and DFL Rep. Betty McCollum both support legislation to repeal the gay marriage ban.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson blasts the slow regulatory overhaul of derivatives.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar will reportedly back a three month delay in transportation bill.

Transportation lobbying is coming from all sides in Minnesota.

In fact, the Center for Public Integrity says it's coming from all sides nationally.

Oberstar is also mentioned in this story on how the FAA will strictly enforce safety of airlines.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:40 AM on September 17, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota's job numbers for August are released this morning.

Slow job growth is the next worry for economists.

An official with the Minnesota School Boards Association says "We're at the bake sale level" when it comes to funding.

Gov. Pawlenty wants to prevent state money from going to ACORN even though it appears no state money is going to ACORN. MPR, AP, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, the Rochester Post-Bulletin and MinnPost have stories.

ACORN announced a hiring freeze and new training for employees on a national level.

State senators visit a technical college in Worthington.

Health Care

Doctors and lawyers say medical malpractice reform is not needed in Minnesota.

Minnesota companies are not happy with the health reform bill put forward in the U.S. Senate.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the proposal is a good start.

60 is the magic number in the U.S. Senate.

The Senate bill also requires drug and medical device companies to disclose consulting agreements with doctors.

Coborn's is urging employees to oppose the health care reform bill.

Flu

Health officials say the flu is widespread in Minnesota.

2010

MPR says eight of the nine GOP candidates for governor reject global warming science.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher officially entered the race for governor. MPR, the Rochester Post-Bulletin, AP, the Pi Press, the Mankato Free Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

You can listen to her speech here.

Congress

The U.S. plans to scrap the missile shield.

President Obama says there are no plans for additional troop increase in Afghanistan.

The EPA agrees with a Great Lakes cleanup report.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he's been working a lot over the last six months.

A House bill would kill subsidized student loans. GOP Rep. John Kline opposes the effort.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison wants to increase eligibility for school lunches.

Ellison and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann tweet off.

Bachmann also suggests that President Obama could work to starve the nation.

The feds keep little used airports in business. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty will speak at the Values Voter summit on Friday. He's also scheduled to speak in Ohio on Saturday.

Pawlenty's chief 2012 rival, Mitt Romney, also has a busy weekend schedule on tap.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:27 AM on September 16, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher officially enters the race for governor today.

GOP state Rep. Tom Emmer pays a penalty involving former campaign billboards.

Primary Election

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Republican Eva Ng are headed to the mayoral primary. The Pi Press and MPR have stories.

Maplewood and White Bear Lake sent incumbents to November.

Incumbents on Duluth's school board advance and the city council races square up.

Health Care

The Senate Finance Chair will release his proposed health care bill today. It doesn't have any Republican support.

The Senate health bill draws fire on both sides.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken don't like the medical device fee in the Senate health care bill.

Health insurance premiums rose modestly in 2009.

The Star Tribune asks "What happens when the indigent lose medical care?"

Congress

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the recession is "very likely over."

President Obama's Treasury Secretary says the president is against a middle class tax hike.

President Obama backs extending Patriot Act provisions.

Obama rallies the union base.

He also proposed new fuel efficiency standards.

President Obama will appear on several Sunday talk shows.

GOP lawyers want the Justice Department to investigate ACORN. The New York Times says conservatives have drawn blood from a foe.

Senators will probe dairy farm woes. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline opposes President Obama's effort to restructure the student loan industry.

The Hill says more than two dozen members of Congress are paying family thousands of dollars to work for their campaigns. The report says DFL Rep. Collin Peterson pays his son $2,000 a month.

Joe Wilson

The House rebukes Joe Wilson.

Minnesota's delegation voted along party lines.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Wilson's outburst was based on racism.

Under the Dome

Officials gather to discuss a controversial mining operation.

A study says wind power could hamper the state's transmission grid.

Gov. Pawlenty asks the feds to help farmers in six counties.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

The Family Research Council will reportedly take a GOP presidential straw poll at the Values Voter summit this weekend. Pawlenty's name will be on the list. He's scheduled to speak at the event on Friday night.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:38 AM on September 15, 2009 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

It's Primary Day in some cities. There aren't many major races on the ticket. The Pi Press says St. Paul elections workers like it that way.

Under the Dome

The Pi Press says Xcel Energy wanted rate hikes to cover perks and travel. Attorney General Lori Swanson, a Democrat, objected to the idea.

Gov. Pawlenty opposes a proposed tax on medical device makers on the federal level.

Minnesota Republicans push for a health care amendment that would allow Minnesotans to refuse to participate in government health care if it passes.

A man brought two guns to the Obama rally in Minneapolis.

Congress

President Obama calls for greater international coordination to contain the current financial markets.

Mayo's top boss addresses the future of health care.

GOP Rep. John Kline will hold a town hall forum on health care on Friday.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann said "Thank God for Joe Wilson." Here's the video.

The Senate votes to deny funds for ACORN.

Labor cheers the tire tariffs.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar writes in an op-ed that the Recovery Act helped the economy.

2010

Minnesota state Senator Mike Jungbauer, a Republican candidate for governor, was bitten by a bat.

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher will officially announce her campaign for governor on Wednesday.

A GOP CPA from Minnetonka is running for State Auditor.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

The panel that decided the recount trial won an award.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:59 AM on September 14, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

President Obama is going to return the focus to financial regulation during a speech today on Wall Street.

Minnesota heard President Obama's pitch on health care. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and AP have stories.

The Pi Press says Minnesota wants Obama to reward quality care.

President Obama met with the head of Mayo before he spoke on Saturday.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison canceled an appearance before the Religion Newswriters Association to attend Obama's speech.

Obama also told 60 Minutes that the debate is coarsening.

GOP Rep. John Kline says President Obama should start from scratch on health care.

Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe, a Republican, opposes the public option.

Democrats in the White House and in Congress are also downplaying the public option.

Democratic leaning blogs say it's no coincidence that UnitedHealth Group is holding a fundraiser for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the same time that she's selling out on the public option.

Meanwhile, thousands rally in Washington D.C. to oppose President Obama.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz held a health care forum on Saturday.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen held a townhall on Friday night.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann also held a forum.

Bachmann also attended a TEA Party event and writes an op-ed on health care.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson, who screams for public subsidies for agriculture, barks at a public option in heath care.

The New York Times says clean water laws are neglected. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Al Franken downplays any hopes for higher office in this Radio Iowa interview.

He got big laughs at Tom Harkin's Steak fry.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduces legislation that would regulate formaldehyde.

Businesses are hoping a new tourism initiative attracts foreign visitors.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared on Geraldo.

Under the Dome

AP says states are readying for the U.S. Census.

Several state Republicans want health care in the constitution.

Cities are paring back for the future.

Two ex-Gang Strike Force members are suspended by Ramsey County.

Pawlenty for Prez watch

Gov. Pawlenty backs off his Tenth Amendment comments.

He also appeared on This Week with George Stephanolopous.

Pawlenty also defended Congressman Joe Wilson's belief that the health care bill will give care to illegal immigrants.

Pawlenty also campaigned in Florida.

The DFL Party hits Pawlenty on his statements regarding the health care debate.

GOP Rep. Jim Abeler compares Pawlenty go Jimmy Carter (in a not so nice way).

Finally

Good-bye Norman Borlaug. Fewer stomachs in the world grumble because of you.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:42 AM on September 11, 2009 by Tom Scheck (6 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Democrats and like-minded special interest groups are pulling out all of the stops to get people to the Target Center for President Obama's speech. They're lighting up Facebook, Twitter, phone banking and e-mail to increase turnout.

The speech comes just days after the U.S. Census Bureau said 444,000 Minnesotans don't have health insurance.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pawlenty suggested that he might assert state sovereignty to keep Minnesota from fully participating in a health care plan that could be passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. Pawlenty made his comments on a conference call with supporters of the Republican Governor's Association. You can listen to the caller question and Pawlenty's full answer here.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin also suggested state's rights as an option. The political blog, GOP12, says Pawlenty is making a push for the 10th Amendment supporters in a possible White House run.

On Thursday, Pawlenty, a fierce critic of President Obama's health care reform plan, said the federal bill should focus on cost over access. DFLers in the Legislature say the only savings Pawlenty ever generated from health care is by cutting services, eligibility and payments to health care providers. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Democratic governors disagree with Pawlenty and say the bill will help.

Democrats in Congress say the health care bill will pass this year.

GOP Rep. John Kline will speak on behalf of the GOP on Saturday. He's holding a conference call before Obama's speech. MinnPost says Kline and the other GOP members of Congress were unmoved by Obama's speech.

Some analysts say the insured could pay more under Obama's plan.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is giving money to the opponent of GOP Rep. Joe "You Lied" Wilson of South Carolina.

GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen holds a health care town hall tonight. Factcheck.org said a DNC ad targeting Paulsen and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann are false. Bachmann and DFL Rep. Tim Walz hold health care town halls on Saturday.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says health care reform may balance out Medicare.

Peterson will also attend the opening of an ethanol plant.

McCollum also honored a slain N. St. Paul police officer on the House floor.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will appear with Texas Congressman Ron Paul at the U of M later this month.

GOP Rep. John Kline is criticizing a Democratic effort to overhaul the student loan market.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will hold a news conference in Duluth today to discuss wood standards.

DFL Sen. Al Franken will headline Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin's Steak Fry on Sunday.

The federal government will spend an additional $30 million on pork for school lunches. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

Under the Dome

An administrative law judge will hear an argument by Xcel Energy to increase generating capacity and waste storage at the Prairie Island Nuclear facility.

Minnesota showed strong tax collections in August.

A new report paints a bleak picture for the state's roads and bridges.

2010

Stu Rothenberg says DFL state Sen. Tarryl Clark is one of the Democrats who gives the party "interesting opportunities" in 2010. Clark is hoping to unseat GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Bachmann also said she is focused on her constituents not a White House run.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

MSNBC's Morning Joe challenges Pawlenty on death panels, etc.

Hotline says Pawlenty was forced to answer questions on Palin during his trip to Virginia.

He also rides the fence on death panels and rips health care in Massachusetts (paging Mitt Romney!).

Get Well wishes

Former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman has Bell's Palsy.

Finally

It's been eight years since the 9/11 attacks.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:04 AM on September 10, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

President Obama told a joint session of Congress that the time for bickering is over. He urged them to quickly pass health care reform.

Here's the text of the speech.

CNN says Obama got a big bump in polling as a result of the speech.

An AP poll showed public disapproval for the plan before Obama's speech.

South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson shouted "you lie" to President Obama during the speech. He first apologized for his tone but not the substance of his outburst. He later called the White House to apologize.

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank writes that Wilson's remark was just one of several rare outbursts on the floor by the House GOP. It's a rare departure from the traditional decorum regardless of which party controls the White House.

A U of M medical student and a Mayo Clinic official appeared at Obama's speech.

Here's a fact-check on the speech.

Obama will speak at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Saturday. MPR examines why he picked Minnesota.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz, GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann have scheduled separate town hall meetings on health care for later this week.

The conservative American Future Fund is running ads targeting DFL Rep. Collin Peterson on health care.

The U.S. says Iran has the ability to expedite a nuclear bomb.

Taxpayers are facing heavy losses as a result of the auto bailout.

DFL Sen. Al Franken called a study on forensics "frightening" and "terrifying."

The FEC dismisses a complaint against Norm Coleman.

Former White House Adviser Karl Rove is scheduled to speak at Concordia College.

Under the Dome

MnSCU's president trustee defends merit pay bonuses.

Lawmakers hear visions of a passenger rail network.

2012 Pawlenty for Prez watch

Pawlenty's campaigning for a Virginia GOP candidate draws criticism. Pawlenty argues Bob McDonnell has "evolved" his thinking since then.

The Fix looks at Pawlenty's cross country travel. Question of the Day: Will Pawlenty even be in the state when Obama is here?

Pawlenty will also discuss health care tonight with other Republican leaders in a conference call hosted by the Republican Governor's Association.

2010

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak raised $260k for his reelection campaign this year.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:57 AM on September 9, 2009 by Tom Scheck (6 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Good morning Digest readers. First off, a big thanks to Tim Pugmire, Tim Nelson and Mike Mulcahy for filling in for me during my paternity leave. It's nice to be back.

President Obama will speak tonight to a joint session of Congress tonight to discuss health care reform.

A source, who asked not to be identified, says Obama will visit Minnesota in his efforts to get the legislation passed. He's expected to speak in Minnesota on Saturday but time and location have yet to be determined. MinnPost first broke the story but my sources say it will not be at the Xcel Energy Center.

Democrats vow to give Obama a health plan.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson wants Obama to be clear on a health care plan.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann will also reportedly hold a townhall meeting on Saturday.

The DNC is also buying time to rip Bachmann and GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen on health care.

Obama's pollster is telling Congressional Democrats that polling shows that support for reform is higher that perceived.

On Tuesday, his speech to students was, well, conservative. He urged them to work hard and stay in school.

Congress

DFL Rep. Tim Walz visited Afghanistan and said he isn't sure whether he'd support a troop increase in the region.

Walz will also hold a health care townhall on Sunday Saturday.

The House and Senate continue to spar over transportation funding. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Under the Dome

State officials told DFL lawmakers that an economic tsunami is headed our way. Gov. Pawlenty disagrees with the assessment. He declined to attend the event and held a separate forum in Eden Prairie. MPR, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.

Lawmakers consider rail projects to fund.

Pawlenty for Prez watch

Gov. Pawlenty will be in Virginia today to campaign for Bob McDonnell, a GOP candidate for governor. The DFL is holding a morning conference call to criticize Pawlenty and McDonnell for McDonell's past writings on women.

Pawlenty closed the books on his gubernatorial campaign. He gave the remaining funds to charities and political organizations. The biggest recipient was the MNGOP. AP and the Star Tribune have stories. Here's the full list.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:29 AM on September 8, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Sen. Amy Klobuchar says people are thinking about how their health care costs will rise if Congress fails to take action.

Congressman Keith Ellison says he hopes President Obama understands the essentiality of a public option for health care.

Congressman John Kline says health care reform doesn't have to be a partisan battle.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the trigger proposal for a public option simply kicks the can down the road.

Poll numbers show a split over Pawlenty's job approval.

Republican lawmakers will gather in Eden Prairie this afternoon to discuss business issues rather than attend a DFL-organized budget summit.

The Pioneer Press looks back at Minnesota's 2008 Senate race.

State officials say texting while driving is still a problem.

2009

Next year's race for governor is an issue in this year's race for mayor in St. Paul.

2010

Republican candidates for governor focused on health care during a State Fair forum and also dismissed global warming.

State Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, officially launched his candidacy in Duluth.

State Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, says Minnesota needs more jobs.

Bellwether districts in the Minnesota House are hard to find.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty says he doesn't view Sarah Palin as a competitor.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:47 AM on September 4, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

A state budget summit will be held behind closed doors.

Minnesota school districts are getting complaints about President Obama's scheduled address to students.

Education Minnesota is defending the president.

Congressman John Kline requested a preview of the president's address.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken say they'll work on getting the funding to finish Highway 610.

Congressman Collin Peterson met with dairy farmers in New York.

Congressman Keith Ellison wants a regulatory agency to protect consumers from bad financial products.

A failed state software project ends up in court.

MPCA officials approve a cleanup plan for Cottage Grove site.

2010

Political encounters continue at the Minnesota State Fair.

Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau hasn't decided if she'll run for governor.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:55 AM on September 3, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez will be in Minnesota today to break ground for a Highway 610 extension.

The U.S. Postal Service has backed off plans to close some Minnesota offices.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken are hearing a lot about health care at the Minnesota State Fair.

Franken says the fair is the best place to get a feel for what Minnesota is thinking about.

Congressman Tim Walz plans to hold a health care forum in Rochester Sept. 12.

Congressman John Kline isn't holding a town hall meeting on health care because he says he doesn't want to be the source of a protest.

President Obama singled out Congressman Keith Ellison during a White House dinner.

Minnesota hasn't spent much of its federal weatherization money.

Former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel will deliver a speech this month at St. John's University.

State lawmakers toured several Red River flood prevention projects.

2010

Some Minnesota Senate Districts are competitive, but many are not.

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher says she wants to offer Minnesotans a different style of leadership as governor.

State Rep. Marty Seifert is spending a lot of time at the State Fair, but his focus is on GOP delegates.

State Rep. Tom Rukavina will make his campaign for governor official on Labor Day.

Republican Michael Cummins will run a second time in the 8th Congressional District.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:46 AM on September 2, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congressman Collin Peterson says he wants President Obama to give specific direction on health care reform.

A new poll shows President Obama's job approval slipping in Minnesota.

Congressman John Kline will give the Republican response to president's weekly radio address.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has spread out his staffing costs to other state agencies.

A Minnesota House committee is looking at flood prevention projects.

Three people sue the city of St. Paul over a police action before the Republican National Convention.

A State Capitol brochure is now available in Somali.

2009

A Minneapolis ballot dispute might be headed to court.

2010

Seven DFL candidates for governor shared a stage at the Minnesota State Fair for a radio debate.

But many fairgoers just don't want to talk politics.

State Representative Tom Emmer says he'll lure businesses to Minnesota as governor.

Next year's Minnesota House races will focus on 40 swing districts.

Minnesota's primary election date might have to be changed.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:51 AM on September 1, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congresswoman Betty McCollum's health care forum attracted an overflow crowd.

Sen. Al Franken talked about health care reform during a State Fair visit.

Franken's recount attorney is part of an effort to reform voter registration.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar will hold a roundtable discussion on community colleges today in Brooklyn Park.

The Northstar Commuter Rail line begins service on November 16.

A Rochester scientist has joined the effort to repeal Minnesota's ban on new nuclear power plants.

A state trooper was hurt chasing pranksters from the governor's house.

RNC

The economic impact of last year's Republican National Convention was $170 million.

The RNC had little lasting political impact on Minnesota.

Arrested RNC protesters are planning to sue the city of St. Paul.

Individual RNC court cases are still pending.

2010

DFL candidates for governor will debate today at the State Fair.

DFLers and Republicans have stronghold districts in the Minnesota House.

Politico reports that Congresswoman Michele Bachmann received a contribution from Sarah Palin's political action committee.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:31 AM on August 31, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congresswoman Betty McCollum hosts a health care forum tonight in St. Paul, but there's only room for 400.

President Obama's ambassador picks are mostly wealthy donors, including Minneapolis attorney Sam Kaplan.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Sen. Amy Klobuchar will speak at a deployment ceremony this afternoon for Minnesota soldiers headed to Afghanistan.

A Minnesota Senate committee begins its statewide tour of proposed public works projects.

City Pages profiles state GOP Chairman Tony Sutton.

Wisconsin's cigarette tax will go up 75 cents per pack on Tuesday, making it the fifth highest tax in the country.

2010

Most of the DFL candidates for governor showed up for an event in Minneapolis.

The analysis of next year's Minnesota House races is already underway.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty says sharing his ideas is a current priority.

John McCain's campaign manager says Pawlenty could have formidable appeal.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:42 AM on August 28, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann packed a junior high school in Lake Elmo with supporters and critics to talk about health care. There was a lot of media coverage, including AP, KARE, MPR, Pioneer Press, Roll Call and Star Tribune.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum says she'll hold a health care meeting Monday night in St. Paul.

Congressman John Kline continues his call for a restart on health care legislation.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty gets a new chief of staff.

Pawlenty visits the State Fair and reflects on last year's running mate activity.

2009/2010

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is beefing up his campaign team.

2010

Republicans Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert made campaign pitches during a GOP event in Red Wing.

A group encouraging Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak to run for governor has a State Fair booth.

The State Fair will have plenty of political activity.

Some candidates were at the fair on opening day.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:55 AM on August 27, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Sen. Al Franken canceled a fundraiser after learning about the host's past criminal conviction.

Franken stressed the need for a public health care option during a roundtable discussion.

Congressman Erik Paulsen says the current health care proposal is the wrong approach.

Congressman Tim Walz talked about supporting veterans during his speech to the American Legion convention in Kentucky.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says a new Web tool could help lower health care costs, and he defends his own record on containing costs.

Lawmakers want changes after problems were uncovered in the Metro Gang Strike Force.

State health officials are preparing for the flu.

State officials are please to have federal economic stimulus money.

The Metropolitan Council has set the fares for the new Northstar commuter rail line.

State Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes is holding a meeting about a southeastern Minnesota transmission line.

Twitter is more popular in the Minnesota House than in the Minnesota Senate.

2010

DFL candidates are scheduled to appear at the party's State Fair booth.

Some candidates will make use of the Minnesota House of Representatives booth.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty rips Obama and Holder, and also compares Democrats to Michael Vick.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:47 AM on August 26, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Sen. Edward Kennedy has died at age 77. Tributes begin rolling in.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar says air travelers need a passenger bill of rights.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann makes only a brief appearance at her own social security forum in St. Cloud.

Minnesota House and Senate committees hold a hearing today into problems uncovered in the Metro Gang Strike Force.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and other state officials will announce health grants totaling $47 million today.

Revenue from a new sales tax increase is coming in slower than expected.

Cities in Minnesota and other states wrestle with cuts in state aid.

Minnesota Senate President Jim Metzen is heading Taiwan.

A Minnesotan talks about his experience as an election observer in Afghanistan.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:41 AM on August 25, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota's 20-year highway plan has a big funding gap.

A Minnesota House panel will review the first outdoors and cultural projects funded by a voter-approved sales tax increase.

Stearns County Judge Elizabeth Hayden looks back at the Senate recount trial.

Sen. Al Franken is getting some help with his legal bills.

Franken supports tariffs on products from countries that don't limit greenhouse gas emissions.

A profile of Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel refers to an allegation made by Congressman Michele Bachmann.

2010

State Sen. Julie Rosen says she'll run for re-election next year, not a higher office.

The State Fair won't have many political candidates with booths.

Republicans pick Minneapolis for their state convention.

2012

A CNBC host says he likes Gov. Tim Pawlenty for president in 2012.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:43 AM on August 24, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (6 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Sen. Amy Klobuchar's telephone town hall meeting on health care had 10,000 participants.

Congressman John Kline is emerging as a voice of Republican leadership.

Kline says hit the reset button on health care reform.

Congressman Keith Ellison and Congresswoman Betty McCollum spoke in favor of health care reform during a weekend rally.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will hold a town hall meeting on health care Thursday in Lake Elmo.

Congressman Tim Walz talked to farmers about milk prices.

Gay couples ask Minnesota's senators for help changing immigration laws.

Minnesota arts organizations are lining up for federal economic stimulus money.

A Minnesota House Committee gets an update this week on the outdoors and cultural projects funded by a sales tax increase.

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller says next month's leadership summit could be helpful.

A Lego model of the Minnesota Capitol is on public display.

The state Department of Natural Resources is marking the 75th anniversary of its State Fair building.

2010

The contest for governor could also determine some congressional races.

2012

Gov. Tim Pawlenty urged Florida Republicans to seize on the political opportunity Democrats have given them with health care reform.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:44 AM on August 21, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congressman Tim Walz held a lively town hall meeting on health care in Mankato.

Minnesota's unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent in July with the addition of 10,300 jobs.

State investigators say misconduct in the disbanded Metro Gang Strike Force appears to go well beyond what was uncovered in earlier investigations.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants more changes in the soon-to-end cash for clunkers program.

Sen. Al Franken talked health care during trip to Marshall.

Congressmn John Kline wants to start over on health care reform.

Congressman James Oberstar says a federal gas tax hike could be considered to maintain or improve the interstate highway road system.

Former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman will be a fellow at Harvard.

Coleman will also begin work soon for a new GOP think tank.

2010

Republicans came out in the rain to get to know their candidates for governor.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:54 AM on August 20, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

The recession has hit manufacturing hard in Minnesota.

Protesters say the Minnesota Department of Transportation is not doing enough to get women and minorities working on state-funded projects.

Federal officials disagree over the environmental impact of the central Corridor light rail project.

State officials will try to clean the air in the Boundary Waters.

UnitedHealth Group provided employees with talking points to use at town hall meetings.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar toured a children's center in Albert Lea.

Sen. Al Franken toured a butter plant in New Ulm.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is logging a lot of time on national TV.

2010

State Sen. Terri Bonoff is considering a run for Congress.

Federal officials tell Steve Sviggum he can't run for governor while serving as commissioner of the state Department of Labor and Industry.

Nine Republican candidates will attend a GOP picnic in Roseville.

Two DFL candidates and two GOP candidates talk about their visions for the state.

2012

Politico profiles Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and shares the interview too.

A new poll shows Pawlenty at the back of the pack of potential GOP candidates for president.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:54 AM on August 19, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the Vikings landing quarterback Brett Favre is fantastic, but it won't change the stadium debate.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar will hold a conference call town hall meeting on health care on Sunday.

Klobuchar toured a new passport office in Minneapolis.

Sen. Al Franken has a low approval rating.

Franken met with high speed rail advocates in Winona.

Eleven people questioned Congressman Tim Walz and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius during a telephone town hall meeting on health care.

Congressman John Kline will meet with business leaders Thursday in Faribault.

Congressman Collin Peterson says his town hall meetings have helped correct misinformation on health care reform.

A North Dakota senator says nonprofit health care cooperatives are the answer.

State Sen. Linda Berglin says she tired of people seizing on the problems of health care reform instead of the possibilities.

University of Minnesota experts outlined some of those possibilities to Berglin's committee.

DNR officials get recommendations on protecting moose.

2010

Candidates for governor are listening to hunting and fishing advocates.

2012

Pawenty retells his Chris Matthews joke and it gets more coverage.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:55 AM on August 18, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Tim Pawlenty defends town hall protesters and tells Fox News that he thinks Republicans are winning the battle of ideas.

VA system shows government's ability to run health care.

Congressman Collin Peterson draws a big crowd in Bemidji to talk health care.

Sen. Al Franken repeats his support for a public option during a trip to Rochester.

Congressman Tim Walz plans a telephone tall hall meeting today with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Congressman John Kline claims the stimulus package did not create the promised jobs.

Lawmakers will hold a summit on high speed rail today in Winona.

2010

DFLer Matt Entenza has hired a campaign manager.

Wisconsin

Gov. Jim Doyle says two terms is enough.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:32 AM on August 17, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Sen. Amy Klobuchar hosts a roundtable discussion today on elder care.

Congressman Collin Peterson holds another health care meeting today in Bemidji.

Congressman John Kline probably won't attend the health care meeting hosted by Congressman Tim Walz.

Participants are raising many concerns at town hall meetings.

Sen. Al Franken is seeking changes at Arlington National Cemetery.

The AP reports Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle won't seek a third term.

A ceremony is planned today to dedicate the plaza honoring Minnesota Indian tribes outside the new Gopher football stadium.

2010

The Pioneer Press provides an updated list of candidates for governor.

State Rep. Tom Emmer wants to shrink state government.

State Sen. Tarryl Clark went to Pittsburgh to meet liberal bloggers.

2012

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says a rejection of health care reform would help Republicans.

He also has some GOP leaders intrigued about his possible candidacy.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:42 AM on August 14, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher has filed the paperwork to run for governor and launched a campaign web site.

Some Republican candidates will attend a GOP picnic next week in Albert Lea.

DFLer Matt Entenza will campaign in Alexandria today as part of a 10-city tour.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann compares herself to Sarah Palin in a new appeal for campaign donations.

The state GOP chairman takes credit for Congressman Tim Walz scheduling a town hall meeting on health care.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak releases city budget plan and says he doesn't need a lecture from Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Congressman James Oberstar says Hawaii is not using enough stimulus money on transportation projects.

Sen. Al Franken tours a research facility in Duluth.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:43 AM on August 13, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congressman Tim Walz schedules a town hall meeting on health care next Thursday in Mankato.

Congressman Collin Peterson schedules two meetings.

A key legislator is opposed to a new effort to lift the state's nuclear power moratorium.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says a suburban Twin Cities chiropractic clinic fraudulently obtained credit cards for patients.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says six Native American groups in Minnesota will share $14.6 million in federal grants.

2010

The list of state fair political booths includes only one candidate for governor.

State Sen. Paul Koering says he's no longer a candidate for governor.

State Rep. Tom Rukavina says he wants the DFL endorsement.

Sixth District DFL challenger Tarryl Clark picks up another union endorsement.

2012

A new New Hampshire poll gives 3 percent to Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:50 AM on August 12, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declined an invitation from DFL leaders to attend a leadership summit.

A coalition of groups will try to get lawmakers to repeal Minnesota's ban on new nuclear power plants.

Attorney General Lori Swanson is taking on a clinic that pushes credit cards.

Researchers are using a new approach to study water quality.

State tax collections were lagging in July.

Minnesota's congressional delegation is getting lots of feedback on health care reform.

Minnesota Republicans are pressuring Congressmen Collin Peterson and Tim Walz with new TV ads.

Peterson and Walz say they'll hold town hall meetings on health care reform.

Walz shares his views on health care.

Sen. Amy Klobuhar wants action after the Continental Airlines jet incident in Rochester.

2012

The Iowa Republican ranks Pawlenty at number five and rising.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:54 AM on August 11, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Nearly half of Minnesota's schools aren't keeping pace with the federal No Child Left Behind standards. AP, MPR, Pioneer Press and Star Tribune have stories.

A Minnesota House panel heard complaints about state unemployment benefits and services.

There was also criticism of the administration's economic development efforts.

Companies have asked a judge to dismiss the state's bridge lawsuit.

A lawsuit against a donor to former Sen. Norm Coleman could soon be dismissed.

Minnesota still has a favorable bond rating.

Sen. Al Franken can draw a map.

2010

Minnesota Republicans will unveil ads targeting Congressmen Collin Peterson and Tim Walz on health care.

2012

Senate Republicans list Pawenty among their 12 favorites for 2012.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:49 AM on August 10, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar stopped in Minnesota to promote the use of federal stimulus money on environmental projects.

State lawmakers get an update this week on the implementation of a hospital infection reporting law.

The state's updated list of struggling schools comes out tonight.

Homeless people are speaking out against health care cuts.

St. Peter's mayor is taking on the added role of defending state aid to cities.

DC

Constituents are asking Congressman Tim Walz to hold a town hall meeting on health care reform.

Congressman James Oberstar likes New Hampshire's approach to federal stimulus projects.

Sen. Al Franken is still adjusting to his new job.

2010

Politico says some Democrats view Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as their number one enemy.

State Sen. Mike Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, officially launched his campaign for governor.

State Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, might stand out at the state fair.

State Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, is running for governor as a political outsider.

2012

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has an ad hoc political organization.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 9:37 AM on August 6, 2009 by Tim Nelson
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota
The state's congressional delegation will be back home in Minnesota for the next month, gauging the reaction to health care and other issues. The Strib has a preview.

The Employee Free Choice Act seems to have run aground in D.C., worry Minnesota labor activists who talked to Paul Demko.

State health officials are tracking a strain of avian flu in state turkeys. MPR and the AP have stories.

Cap and trade is a warming topic at the Farmfest gathering, according to the Legal Ledger.

The Pioneer Press has its take on the impact of stimulus spending.

Washington
Newly minted U.S. Sen. Al Franken seems to be becoming a focal point on the issue of reforming performance fees on radio and the Internet. Politico notes his comic take on the matter, and Pandora, the music streaming service, singles Franken out by name to its customers.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:56 AM on August 4, 2009 by Tim Nelson
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota
Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Dan McElroy is on a 10-city tour of Minnesota, talking about the economy. The Strib has a story.

Farmfest opens today. Congressman Tim Walz, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Governor Tim Pawlenty are scheduled to appear. The annual farm exposition near Redwood Falls draws about 35,000 people annually.

Energy Secretary Stephen Chu was in Rochester, talking renewables with CD 1 Democrat Tim Walz. MPR's Tom Weber was there.

A pair of activists from Minnesota had some kind of run-in with Israeli officials, apparently while attempting to enter the Palestinian territories. They got back to Minnesota to at least some notice on Fox 9. You might recognize one of them, Katrina Plotz, right. She was one of the leaders of the March on the RNC effort last summer. They seem to be exporting the franchise this summer, without the Republicans in town.

2010
Steve Kelley, running again for governor, says he's hired Carrie Lucking as campaign manager. Lucking has a past, as well: she was one of the founders of the effort to block acting education commissioner Cheri Pierson Yecke's confirmation back in 2004. The Kelley campaign says she's a Hopkins social studies teacher and active in Education Minnesota politics.

DC
Minnesota's most peripatetic Congressman, Keith Ellison, is trotting the globe again - this time to Sudan. The Strib has coverage.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:41 AM on August 3, 2009 by Tim Nelson (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota

The stimulus money isn't creating quite as many jobs as promised, reports MPR's Mark Zdechlik.

It turns out that collaboration between Minnesota and Wisconsin isn't panning out as hoped, either. The Associated Press finds joint efforts save less than $100,000 of the hoped-for $10 million in annual cost-reduction.

Energy Secretary and Nobel Prize winner Stephen Chu will be in Rochester today, sizing up Minnesota's alternative energy prospects. Democratic 1st District Congressman Tim Walz will no doubt be doing some arm twisting for his Wind Energy Promotion Act.

DC
Congressional Democrats are shooting back at the Minnesota GOP's radio ads targeting Collin Peterson with health-care oriented ads running against Republicans Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen, according to CNN.

2012
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is touting his state's health care policies in the Washington Post this morning.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 9:40 AM on July 31, 2009 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Daily Digest

2012

Gov. Tim Pawlenty sounds like a candidate at the RNC summer meeting in San Diego. Take your pick of coverage from MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pioneer Press, and many others.

The Minnesota DFL issued a strongly worded response to the governor's speech, ripping him for the state's job losses, cuts in health care and the ongoing budget deficit. Unfortunately for the governor's opponents it also featured a bizarre link to a strange youtube video. Warning if you follow the link...it contains epithets you wouldn't want your mother to hear. But here it is if you must.

DFL party Executive Director Andrew O'Leary said the link came from an outside researcher who had not checked it, and the party did not double-check the link before sending the release to reporters.

Minnesota

Tomorrow is the second anniversary of the 35W bridge collapse. The Star Tribune reports the state is suing the company that regularly inspected the bridge. MPR looks at the technology on the new bridge.

DC

Cash for clunkers is broke after a week. Does that mean it's a success or a failure?

Along similar lines the economy shrunk in the last quarter but less than everyone thought it would, which makes it good news but not great news.

The health care bill is making progress in fits and starts, but the recess may tell the tale.

The much-hyped beer summit is over. I think people from all racial backgrounds can agree that it's not much fun having a beer in a suit and tie in 90 degree weather as dozens of photographers watch from behind the bushes 40 feet away.

So that's progress, I guess.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:59 AM on July 30, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Minnesota Senate is trimming its own budget.

A state Senate committee will hold public hearings on risk taking by community banks and credit unions.

Common Cause Minnesota says the state should do a better job tracking economic stimulus money.

City leaders meet to discuss financial challenges.

DC

The Minnesota delegation is fighting for Medicare equity in health care reform bill.

Congressman James Oberstar says a transportation spending bill will prevent devastating slowdowns or cuts in each state's federal highway funds.

Congressman John Kline vows to fight a student loan bill.

Congressman Collin Peterson says he's agreed to a set of principles for regulating derivatives.

2010

Minnesota Republicans claim Congressman Collin Peterson is out of touch in a new radio ad.

State Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, officially announced her bid for Congress in the 6th district.

State Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, says repairing the economy is job one for Minnesota's next governor.

Republican Bill Haas wants to grow jobs as governor.

2012

Gov. Tim Pawlenty will raise his national profile today with a speech to the Republican National Committee.

CNN says he'll rip President Obama.

CBS says the speech will cover three major topics.

Pawlenty tells the AP that he's focused on the GOP, not 2012.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:42 AM on July 29, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected a challenge of legislators' per diem increases.

State finance officials detail $11 million in spending cuts for government departments.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is urging the state's congressional delegation to abandon the health care bill.

DC

Senators Klobuchar and Franken vote with the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve Sonia Sotomayor as Supreme Court justice.

MPR looks at the service dogs that Sen. Franken wants available to veterans.

Federal stimulus money will fund police officers in Minnesota.

Congressman John Kline remains opposed to a student loan proposal.

Congressman James Oberstar is applauding a new report that says the nation can cut greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in half by 2050.

Minnesota GOP officials are planning an ad campaign against Congressman Collin Peterson following this week's conspiracy theory flap.

2010

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher toured a dairy farm this week.

State Rep. Paul Kohls, R-Victoria, says he'll fight for limited government.

A few candidates for governor plan to attend the Meeker County Fair this week.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:31 AM on July 28, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

2010

The AP says former Sen. Norm Coleman won't decide if he's running for governor until March or April.

But KSTP reports that Coleman will not run.

State Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, has filed the paperwork to run for Congress in the 6th district.

Elwyn Tinklenberg is ready to run again in the 6th district.

2012

Do Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have the same goal?

Gov. Pawlenty signs on to a Republican health care reform proposal.

DC

Congressman John Kline says health care plan would hurt small businesses.

Congresman James Oberstar wants to limit airline alliances.

Congressman Erik Paulsen is emerging as a decidedly conservative lawmaker.

Congressmen Collin Peterson and Tim Walz are targets of new Republican radio ads.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:30 AM on July 27, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Republican Governors Association will reportedly name Gov. Tim Pawlenty as its vice-chair today.

Union officials say Gov. Pawlenty still hasn't responded to their money-saving proposal.

School districts are preparing for cash-flow shortfalls.

The Minnesota Vikings will have tough time pushing a new stadium in the 2010 Legisaltive session.

Sen. Larry Pogemiller is proposing a bipartisan leadership summit.

Minnesota district courts handled more cases in 2008 than the year before.

DC

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is warning first-time home buyers that a tax credit will expire in November.

Congressman James Oberstar Rep. James Oberstar has a plan to pass his highway bill.

2010

Ten DFLers who want to be governor made their pitch at a weekend event near Austin.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty is logging a lot of miles and testing a national message.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:40 AM on July 24, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Tim Pawlenty described President Obama's health care proposal as "quite a joke" during an interview on Fox News.

Pawlenty is scheduled to meet with Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle this afternoon in Hudson. A media advisory from Doyle's office says they will announce "further cooperative efforts to clean up and maintain the St. Croix River." Otherwise, details have been sketchy.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and county election officials.

DC

A teachers union leader from Minnesota will attend an education event with President Obama.

Congressman John Kline says he's uncomfortable with Obama's education spending proposal.

Congressman Tim Walz says he wants to hear more ideas for health care reform.

2010

The National Republican Congressional Committee has added Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to its list of most vulnerable incumbents.

Independent Bob Anderson might run again in the 6th district.

State Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, has filed paperwork to explore a run for governor.

State Rep. Paul Kohls, R-Victoria, has a forum scheduled Aug. 1 in Chanhassen.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:05 AM on July 23, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota is seeing stimulus money at work.

Stimulus money will help link a bike trail to the new Twins ballpark.

MnSCU board approves a budget that includes tuition increases and layoffs.

Panel named to study state aid to local governments.

DC

Politico takes note of the entire Minnesota delegation sending a letter to President Obama about Medicare reimbursement rates.

State GOP leaders want an investigation of Congressman Keith Ellison's trip to Mecca.

Sen. Al Franken has introduced his first bill.

Congressman Jim Oberstar's highway bill gives a boost to bike enthusiasts.

2010

The Fargo Forum sees a wide open race for Minnesota governor.

DFLer Matt Entenza says he wants Minnesota to lead again in education, health care and job creation.

Republican state Sen. David Hann says he wants to improve public education.

State Rep. Paul Thissen will formally launch his campaign today.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:02 AM on July 22, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Tim Pawlenty returns to Minnesota today after a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pawlenty has an event planned Friday with Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle in Hudson.

St. Cloud isn't seeing the results of the federal stimulus.

Candidates have filed for this year's city elections in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is in Washington to testify against mandatory
arbitration requirements in credit card contracts.

DC

Congressman Keith Ellison's trip to Mecca continues to raise questions.

Congressmen Tim Walz and John Kline offer different opinions of the health care reform bill.

Kline and other Republicans have concerns with a student loan measure.

Congressman Collin Peterson says the impact of climate-change legislationon on farms and ranches will be bearable.

An analysis of recent finance data shows GOP Congresswoman Michele Bachmann raised more than two Democrats in their home districts.

Sen. Al Franken's service dog proposal is getting more attention.

Al Eisele compares Minnesota's current political profile in DC to an earlier era.

2010

Carver County Republicans will host a debate among gubernatorial candidates in September.

Republican Steve Sviggum says his campaign decision remains on hold.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty's travel schedule prompts more speculation.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:39 AM on July 21, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

New test scores show Minnesota students improved in science this year, but more than half are still not proficient in the subject. MPR, Pionner Press and Star Tribune have stories.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission approved a plan for new terminal signs.

A Fox 9 Rasmussen Poll shows Minnesotans have polarized views of key political leaders.

DC

A breast cancer awareness bill, sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, has raised some concerns.

Congressman Collin Peterson wants changes made to a food safety bill.

Reps. McCollum and Paulsen gathered input on health care reform during separate Twin Cities events.

Congrssman Tim Walz supports a Rochester railroad bypass project.

2008

The Census Bureau says Minnesota led the nation last fall in voter turnout.

2010

Several DFL candidates for governor will be at event in Austin on Saturday.

2012

Politico says Gov. Tim Pawlenty is taking steps to strengthen his national profile.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:38 AM on July 20, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Tim Pawlenty made an unannounced trip to Iraq and delivered his condolences to a Minnesota National Guard unit that lost three members in an attack there last week. AP, Forum Communications and the Pioneer Press have stories.

Pawenty will go to Puerto Rico next month for a GOP fundraiser.

After the attorney general sued, a Minnesota company agreed to stop arbitrating credit card disputes.

Sales of E85 fuel are falling in Minnesota.

Panel wants simpler absentee voting.

MNSCU is set to approve budget and tuition increase.

DNR steps up its fight against invasive species.

2010

Former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton is recovering from surgery.

State Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall ranks job growth as the state's top challenge.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:28 AM on July 17, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Minnesota's jobless rate has risen to 8.4 percent. MPR, Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press have stories.

State officials say traffic deaths are down.

Legal challenges to unallotment are still at the talking stage.

A state panel will meet in Bemidji next month to discuss public employee pension plans.

DC

Congressman Keith Ellison unveils a green jobs initiative.

Congressman Erik Paulsen is down on the federal stimulus.

Congressman Collin Peterson is skeptical of a food-safety bill.

2010

Republicans are launching an early effort to unseat Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.

State Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, has formally launched his campaign for governor.

State Rep. Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, lists RFK and "The Boss" among his influences.

State Rep. Paul Kohls, R-Victoria, is predicting an expensive contest for governor.

Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum has hit an unexpected roadblock.

2012

News Cut looks at where Gov. Pawlenty stands among possible GOP candidates for president.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:43 AM on July 16, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

DC

Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken questioned Judge Sonia Sotomayor during the third day of the hearing on her Supreme Court nomination.

Politico documents Franken's hearing humor.

Franken raised big money after the election.

Second quarter fundraising numbers are also in for Reps. Bachmann, McCollum, Paulsen and Walz.

...As well as Ellison, Kline, Oberstar and Peterson.

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the health reform bill introduced Democrats in the U.S. House would be bad for Minnesota.

Winona County is questioning the legality of unallotment.

The wish list for next year's bonding bill totals $2.6 billion in construction projects.

2010

Former State Auditor Pat Anderson has joined the GOP list of candidates for governor.

Is state Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, running for congress next year? MinnPost.com and KSTP say she is, but Clark hasn't confirmed.

2012

City Pages looks at Gov. Pawlenty and his potential path to the presidency.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:48 AM on July 15, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

2010

Former Congressman Jim Ramstad says he will not be a GOP candidate for governor in 2010.

State Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, says he will be speaking out more when his views don't match that of his party.

Some DFL candidates for governor will abide by party endorsement, some won't.

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich talk health care today.

Attorney General Lori Swanson alleges a Twin Cities arbitration company is misleading consumers.

Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, has a meeting with WCCO.

DC
Sen. Al Franken has signed on as a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:20 AM on July 14, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

DC

Judge Sonia Sotomayor will face questions today about her nomination to the Supreme Court. Minnesota's senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, made opening statements yesterday as members of the judiciary committee.

Meanwhile, Franken's staff plans to hold office hours throughout Minnesota in the coming weeks.

Minnesota's delegation is divided over health care reform.

Congressman Tim Walz is sponsoring wind energy legislation.

Congressman Eric Paulsen has introduced legislation aimed at examining the impact of federal bailout funding on small businesses.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum says efficiencies can help pay for health care reform.

Congresswoman Bachmann sponsors bill to limit census data.

Bachmann also wants September designated as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.

Minnesota

A prison conference room gets a pricey makeover.

City officials in Red Wing say Gov. Tim Pawlenty's cuts in state aid have made them less confident in their longterm ability to protect the Prairie Island nuclear plant.

State Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, vents on unallotment.

Elton Redalen, a former state legislator and agriculture commissioner, has died.

2010

DFL gubernatorial hopeful Susan Gaertner hires a communications director for her campaign.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:34 AM on July 13, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

DC

Minnesota's senators are ready for the Sotomayor confirmation hearings.

Sen. Franken did some weekend prep for the hearings.

Sen. Klobuchar talked to NPR.

Congressman John Kline wants to rethink No Child Left Behind.

Minnesota

Health care for uninsured children is the focus of a rally today at the State Capitol.

State officials will soon release a wish list of construction projects for next year's bonding bill.

Some school districts are considering pay freezes.

The nation's secretaries of state meet this week in Minneapolis.

2010

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher has hired a campaign manager.

2012

GOP missteps could help Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Daily Digest

Posted at 6:47 AM on July 10, 2009 by Tim Nelson
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congress

Former Republican U.S. Senator Norm Coleman was feted in Washington by his colleagues yesterday, an hour-long tribute to his six years of service at the Capitol. MinnPost and the Strib covered. Sen. Amy Klobuchar expressed her gratitude for the end of the recount battle: "He could have appealed that decision, he could have gone to federal court. It was his right. But, he made a decision, which he felt was best for the state of Minnesota, and the state thanks him for that, and I personally thank him for that."

[Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander said Coleman deserved an "easy, humdrum conventional political race some day," blissfully unaware of the 1997 St. Paul mayoral race, when Coleman clobbered DFLer Sandy Pappas by 18 percentage points, teeing up his run for governor and Senator.]

Al Franken met with Supreme Court nominee Sonya Sotomayor ahead of next week's scheduled start of her confirmation hearings. MPR and MinnPost had coverage.

Unallotment
One of the largest state employee unions, MAPE, is still hoping to thwart some of Governor Tim Pawlenty's budget cuts, according to the Mankato Free Press.

2012
University of Virginia political expert Larry Sabato told the Huffington Posts's Dan Dorfman that he considers 2008 contender Mitt Romney and Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty frontrunners for the Republicans in 2012, despite Pawlenty's 1 percent showing this week in the Rasmussen poll. (Sabato also lists "somone else" as a strong contender.) North Carolina-based Public Policy Polling says it plans to release results of a robopoll about Pawlenty today. They're also supposed to have some Obama numbers, possibly in MN. Their most recent numbers found the president slipping noticably in Virginia.

Other
Pawlenty is speaking at a National Guard deployment ceremony in Cottage Grove this morning. Mayo is sponsoring a health care reform forum at the History Center this morning, and Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Amy Klobuchar are among those expected.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:11 AM on July 9, 2009 by Tim Nelson (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Congress

Michele Bachmann got a shout out from Politico about the role of kids in political careers. She says her five weighed in on her run. (She also has 23 foster kids - practically a winning Senate race margin right there.)

Speaking of the 6th District Republican, Politics in Minnesota says the state Senate's assistant majority leader, Tarryl Clark, of St. Cloud, may be edging from the race for governor to a Bachmann challenge.

And the Humphrey Institute's Smart Politics blog asks how blue the "Blue Dog" Democrats like Collin Peterson really are. Here's the money shot:

Meanwhile, Minnesota's lone Blue Dog Representative, Collin Peterson, voted with the President's stated position 81 percent of the time - tied for the 16th lowest percentage among House Democrats

And one we overlooked yesterday, in all the Jonas Brothers excitement: The Pioneer Press's Ross Raihala pegged U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar's teen crush as The Partridge Family's David Cassidy. "What I most remember is the album cover (1971's "Up to Date"), with all their birthdays on it," remembers the senior Senator. "I still remember David's birthday -- April 12."

Other

City Pages has the latest installment of one of Minnesota's longest running political dramas. They profile Bob Fletcher again.

The Strib is reporting that a state computer snafu has pulled more than 18,000 traffic convictions out of mothballs, and they're now catching up with drivers. Phyllis Kahn's House State Government Finance committee is also talking about a state IT audit this afternoon.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:28 AM on July 8, 2009 by Tim Nelson
Filed under: Daily Digest

2010

Former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert officially got on the gubernatorial bus yesterday. MPR, the Strib and the Pioneer Press were all there at the beginning. MPR's Phil Picardi just had a newscast item calling Seifert the most prominent Republican so far to officially enter the race.

2012

It's never too early to start thinking about redistricting. The Swing State Project has opened an interesting exercise on Minnesota's potential loss of a Congressional seat after the 2010 census. The lines presume the DFL breaks its gubernatorial drought and pits Republicans John Kline and Michele Bachmann against each other. But it's a Collin Peterson/Bachmann matchup in the comments. The consolation prize? Keith Ellison's new St. Paul constituents, as shown in the backend link.

Afternoon addendum: Whoops. Missed the new Rasmussen survey on GOP contenders for 2012. Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty's 1% rankes 5 full points behind "anybody else" for preference among Republicans nationwide, along with Haley Barbour. It's Mitt Romney 25%, Sarah Palin 24%, and Mike Huckabee 22%. Newt Gingrich is 14%

Franken

Al Franken finally took the oath of office. He got Paul Wellstone's bible, but the Pioneer Press's Political Animal said he'll have to settle for Norm Coleman's desk. MPR, the Pioneer Press, the Strib and everyone else managed to get stories done between acts during the Michael Jackson memorial. Politico noted that Franken cast his first vote bucking the Obama administration.

Other

The embattled Metro Gang Strike Force got a look at its new digs and new cops at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension offices in St. Paul yesterday. The Strib has a story, as does the PP. MPR had a Q&A with state public safety chief Michael Campion.

The same day Congressman Jim Oberstar says Minnesota is getting more than $50 million in stimulus money for weatherization projects, one of President Obama's Economic Advisory Board members says another dose of economic medicine may be required.

Addendum
Whoops. Missed the new Rasmussen survey on GOP contenders for 2012. Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty rankes 5 full points behind "anybody else" among Republicans nationwide, along with Haley Barbour.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:49 AM on July 7, 2009 by Tim Nelson
Filed under: Daily Digest

Franken

The U.S. Senator-elect becomes the U.S. Senator today. MPR, the Pioneer Press and the Strib all have stories.

2010

Third term Delano Republican Tom Emmer joins the field to succeed Tim Pawlenty, say the Strib and Pioneer Press. Former House minority leader Marty Seifert
will formally announce his bid this morning.

The budget mess

Despite decrying taxes on businesses, Pawlenty decides to hang on to their capital equipment sales tax proceeds a little longer, according to the AP.

Bemidji's loss in LGA is expected to total near $750,000 in the next two years.

Other

Governor Tim Pawlenty is attending the funeral of the father of former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad and tax court judge Sheryl Ramstad this morning.

The BCA is hosting the Gang Strike Force's governing board at 10 a.m., to show them their new digs and talk about who's going to participate in the embattled gang unit.

An oft-excoriated part of the state veterans home in Minneapolis is being taken down, starting today, to be replaced with an updated building.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:10 AM on July 6, 2009 by Tim Nelson (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Franken

Al Franken did a star turn on the Iron Range ahead of his swearing in tomorrow.
The Strib and PiPress had stories.

Politico weighs on in the Senate's Franken effect.

Congress

CQ Politics says Minnesota's 3rd District may see another "Brawl around the Mall" for 2010.

Keith Ellison was at the ribbon cutting for a "new large mosque" in...Boston. Arab News cites him as the only Muslim in Congress.

Local-bad-boy-gone-good David Carr took a long, loving look at Minnesota's recent politics, with an emphasis on Fraken, in the New York Times this weekend.

2012

Tim Pawlenty was a portrait of measured reaction to the resignation of Sarah Palin. MPR caught up with him in Aspen.

Other

Dirt begins to turn for the Central Corridor. Sort of. MPR and the Strib acknowledge.

Comment on this post

Daily Digest

Posted at 8:22 AM on July 3, 2009 by Tim Nelson
Filed under: Daily Digest

Politics is taking a holiday today. Not much news to round up. Maybe the chattering classes are already turning to brats and bottle rockets instead.

Or, uh, sparklers.

(We can't vouch for Garofalo's keening for gunpowder. A call to confirm the above tweet went unanswered. He's probably out... recreating. Garofalo, though, IS the Republican lawmaker pushing to mandate beer at the new Gophers stadium.)

Congress
Al Franken's honeymoon? Not even 48 hours, according to a new Rassmussen Reports poll. The over/under on a national poll has Minnesota's junior senator at 44 percent negative and 22 percent neutral. And dog-gone it, just 34 percent of 1000 respondents across the U.S. like him. Politico has the nitty, the Pioneer Press has the gritty.

Don't mess with Collin Peterson. Coming just off a showdown with Minnesota's 7th District Democrat over the climate change bill, California Democrat Henry Waxman was hospitalized after a fainting spell. He'll be back next week.

Unallotment
Legislators, et. al, will be meeting in Minneapolis to talk about how to grapple with the General Assistance Medical Care cuts. The 10 a.m. forum will be at HCMC, according to Politics in Minnesota.

Media
Pat Lopez has left the building. Politics in Minnesota noted yesterday that the Strib scribe has departed from the Capitol to take the helm of the paper's political coverage. Have we seen her last byline?

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:13 AM on July 2, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

Franken

Second-day coverage of the conclusion of Minnesota's 2008 U.S. Senate race focused on the victory rally for Senator-elect Al Franken at the State Capitol.
Some of the stories came from MPR, Pioneer Press, Star Tribune and Forum Communications.

WCCO interviewed the Senator-elect.

There was also another look at Franken giving Democrats 60 votes in the U.S. Senate...

...And more speculation about Norm Coleman's political future.

Elsewhere

Two more state senators say they're running for governor in 2010.

Gov. Pawlenty's unallotment plan became official.

Sen. Klobuchar says Minnesota resorts need a shot in the arm.

And sadly, Jim Ramstad's father passed away.

Daily Digest

Posted at 7:11 AM on July 1, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled, Norm Coleman conceded and Al Franken is now going to Washington. The long-awaited conclusion of the 2008 Senate contest dominated the news cycle. Here's a sample of the coverage from MPR, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press and Forum Communications.

The AP says Democrats will now have 60 votes needed to overcome Republican filibusters.

The Fix looks at how Franken won.

Politico looks at how Coleman lost.

And what now for Coleman?

Happy unallotment day! Gov. Tim Pawlenty can begin making spending cuts and accounting shifts today using his unallotment authority to balance the budget. DFL leaders took one last shot at the Republican governor's plan Tuesday. The concerns include the governor's legal standing and the potential job losses.

2010

Republican state Sen. David files paperwork for a campaign for governor.

DFL candidate for governor Matt Entenza is pushing wind energy.

A former governor comments on the possibility of a Ramstad candidacy.

Also

Minnesota Republicans have a new party chairman today.

Minnesota's latest school test scores were mostly flat.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:16 AM on June 30, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

State lawmakers will hold a hearing today regarding Gov. Pawlenty's plan to balance the budget on his own. Pawlenty can officially take the action on Wednesday.

State officials predict a $4.4 billion state budget deficit in 2012-13.

Wisconsin officials have yet to agree to Pawlenty's reciprocity plea.

The Political Donor Refund program dries up today.

Protesters will march today against Pawlenty's budget cuts.

The state's gas tax and sales tax for the arts and outdoors take effect on Wednesday.

A pay freeze is approved for state employees.

The Star Tribune takes a look at the new laws taking effect on Wednesday. One law changes how police can search for missing adults.

The Gang Strike Force board will discuss the creation of a temporary unit.

D.C.

President Obama nominated two to ag posts in Minnesota.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on bias involving New Haven, CT firefighters is bringing Republican applause and Democratic criticism. The court overturned the ruling of Obama's Supreme Court pick.

GOP Rep. John Kline met with reporters on Monday. He discussed his new post as top Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee. AP and the Pi Press say it gives him a voice on the school law rewrite.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says the climate change bill equals tyranny.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz wants the federal government out of the auto business.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will make stops in northern Minnesota.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned in this story on bank employees protesting anti-consumer practices.

The Wall Street Journal says states are spending more money on roads instead of public transportation. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

Gov. Pawlenty's office hedges on whether he'd sign the election certificate if the court doesn't order him to sign it.

GOP Rep. John Kline also encouraged Republican Norm Coleman to continue his legal fight.

Politico wonders when/if Republicans will turn off the money spigot for Coleman.

2010

DFL gov candidate Matt Entenza starts a clean energy tour.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak uses twitter to rip Pawlenty's budget skills.

A DFL leaning blog criticized/fact-checked GOP state Rep. Laura Brod's comments on universal health care.

MinnPost creates a gov checklist.
2012

It looks like Pawlenty is headed to Nashville, TN in July.

Finally

I'm taking a break for a bit. Mr. Tim Pugmire will take over Digest duties in my absence.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:48 AM on June 29, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty can officially start balancing the budget on his own on Wednesday. The Legislative Advisory Commission will meet again on Tuesday to discuss the cuts.

White Bear Lake copes with Pawlenty's unallotment.

So does Washington County.

Religious groups are ready to rally against the budget cuts but don't think it will make a difference.

The MN Supreme Court considers cameras in the courtroom.

The cost of court business is also going up.

Gov. Pawlenty may need a new talking point. Wisconsin overtakes Minnesota at tops in health care quality rankings.

The Minnesota Bar says unmarried and married couples deserve equal treatment.

AP looks at the sales tax for the outdoors and arts.

Police are dealing with the problems at the Metro Gang Strike Force.

D.C.

U.S. troops begin to pull back from Iraqi cities.

The stimulus cash isn't a magic bullet yet.

The House passed the Climate Change bill giving President Obama a victory. Minnesota's delegation voted along party lines.

The Hill says DFL Rep. Collin Peterson's support of the bill was critical.

President Obama pressures the Senate on the climate bill.

President Obama's political adviser won't rule out a tax increase on health insurance.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will hold separate health care forums this week.

The Pi Press says Minnesota's low Medicare reimbursement rate could be an angle for national reform.

The Wall Street Journal picks up on GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's criticism of ACORN.

Politifact gives Bachmann two more "pants on fire" ratings.

The highway/transit bill is put in limbo. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Congress may also impose new standards for the nation's fishing fleets. Oberstar is mentioned.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

Gov. Pawlenty says he's ready to sign the election certificate as soon as he gets the green light from the court. He didn't say what he'd do if there were no instruction from the court. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.

2010

Former GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad says he met with folks about a possible run for governor. MPR and AP have stories.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty appeared on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. You can watch it here.

Pawlenty criticizes the climate change bill in Congress.

Pawlenty also tells President Obama to quit spending.

Pawlenty also spoke Friday to a fundraiser for the Arkansas GOP. He emphasized limited government and touched on South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's affair.

Pawlenty also said he's easier to find than Sanford.

DFL Rep. Tom Rukavina suggests a campaign slogan for Pawlenty's presidential bid.

Finally

I'm taking an extended break on July first. But don't worry Digest readers. MPR's Tim Pugmire will do an abbreviated Digest in my absence.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 7:08 AM on June 26, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty modified his unallotment plan. In a letter to lawmakers, MMB's Commissioner said they're restoring funding for a private facility in Minneapolis that cares for the mentally ill. The letter also said $6 million more in property tax refunds will go out because of cuts in state aid to local government. MPR and AP have stories.

Advocates say budget cuts target the most vulnerable.

Cities say 2010 looks rough.

Newly elected GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers said some of the cuts could be restored if the economy improves.

The state's high court reprimands Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom.

Hiawatha Light Rail marks five years. What's next for transit?

Minnesota is seeking federal help for hog farmers.

Minnesota receives energy grants from the federal government.

Republicans gather in Rochester for a fundraiser for legislative candidates.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

The FEC says Republican Norm Coleman can use some campaign cash for lawsuits. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

D.C.

The House is scheduled to vote on the climate change bill today. It's expected to pass by a small margin.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he met with the White House Chief of Staff to discuss the bill. He now says he'll vote for it.

The Washington Post says a deal on the health bill is close.

A federal judge in Minneapolis will take on senior status.

The White House is hunting for $20 billion for highways and transit. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Oberstar says he's also "fed up" with complaints about the stimulus.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says his trip to Saudi Arabia was within House Ethics Rules.

Ellison also says he will not vote for a health care bill that does not include a public option.

GOP Rep. John Kline will attend a July fundraiser for wounded veterans.

Kline also blogs that states should decide how testing should work under the No Child Left Behind law.

Kline also said the card check bill is stuck in legislative limbo.

The Star Tribune picks up on a story that's been bouncing around for a week. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says she'll only fill out part of her census form.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty will speak tonight at a fundraiser for the Arkansas Republican Party in Little Rock.

Gov. Pawlenty opposes the new climate change bill.

NPR's Ken Rudin says Pawlenty is the likeliest of the current governors to reach the White House.

The Star Tribune picks up on the speculation that Pawlenty's chances improved as a result of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford's affair.

The Daily Digest

Posted at 6:55 AM on June 25, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

An official with MMB says they may propose some changes to the Governor's unallotment plan as early as today.

The Pi Press interviewed Gov. Pawlenty. He laid his budget cuts at the feet of DFLers.

AP says the 35W bridge memorial is making slow progress because of a lack of fundraising.

A meeting is the next step in determining Iron Range mesothelioma.

The U of M Regents agree to job cuts and an alcohol ban.

A deadline looms for Minnesota's "clean diesel" grant applications.

Smart Politics wonders whether newly elected GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers is politically vulnerable.

Zellers will appear on MPR's Midday today at 11.

D.C.

MPR says the climate bill faces a tough road despite DFL Rep. Collin Peterson's support.

The Hill says the changes to the climate bill were made because of the power of the ethanol lobby.

President Obama will begin to lay the groundwork for the immigration debate.

Conservatives criticize President Obama's town hall meeting on health care.

A tax on health care benefits also advances.

The female members of the Senate push for the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

The U.S. House Labor panel approves a pension plan bill. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison's privately paid trip to Mecca prompts a debate.

Several DFL members of the delegation help launch efforts to change the trade law.

Lawmakers, like DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar, urge Obama to drop his transportation plan.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

WCCO and the Star Tribune wonder why it's taking so long.

2010

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, who is considering a run for governor, visited Mankato.

MinnPost says GOP state Rep. Laura Brod could be an intriguing candidate for governor.

Will DFL Rep. Betty McCollum face a primary opponent because of her stance on health care legislation?

2012

The craziness over South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's affair can only boost Gov. Pawlenty's presidential chances.

Reuters has a fact box on the possible candidates in 2012.

Finally

The New York Daily News clearly beat the New York Post in the headline battle regarding Sanford.

The Daily Digest: 6-24-09

Posted at 7:19 AM on June 24, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty's K12 shift means schools need to borrow. Charter schools are especially worried.

Party leaders say they're seeing a wave of donations after Pawlenty proposes to eliminate the Political Contribution Refund.

City leaders will come together this week as they prepare for budget cuts.

House Republicans elected Kurt Zellers, of Maple Grove, as the new GOP Minority Leader of the Minnesota House. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

Lawmakers propose ecodriving to save money.

D.C.

President Obama presses his agenda at a news conference.

He also said it's likely that the unemployment rate will hit double digits.

Congress is largely ignoring President Obama's budget cuts.

Democrats cut a deal on the climate change bill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

The Senate is trying to avert a similar blowup. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar's transportation bill starts its legislative journey.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz introduces transit legislation.

Minnesota is close to losing a congressional seat.

Federal prosecutors seek Medtronic documents over a bone growth study suspected of fraud.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

The NRSC spent nearly $1 million in the last month to help Republican Norm Coleman's legal battle.

The head of the NRSC also said he'll support Coleman is he appeals on the federal level.

KSTP is requesting to review the rejected absentee ballots.

The Pi Press says most Senate staffers have left their positions as the court battle continues on.

The Nevis Fourth of July parade will feature a "pork barrel race" with pigs named after Coleman and Democrat Al Franken.

2010

DFL state Sen. John Marty sits down for an interview with Minnesota Brown.

The Democratic Governors Association says Minnesota is a possible pickup state.

The Daily Digest: 6-23-09

Posted at 6:56 AM on June 23, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Legislative Advisory Commission is scheduled to meet again next week to discuss Gov. Pawlenty's unallotment plan.

The Star Tribune wonders whether the disabled will be left on the curb after legislative action and Gov. Pawlenty's unallotment.

The Minnesota State Bar is going to weigh in on the change to attorneys fees.

A group wants the soon to be cut campaign funds maintained.

MAPE ratified a new two year contract with the state of MN.

GOP Rep. Kurt Zellers and GOP Rep. Randy Demmer are seeking to become GOP House Minority Leader. The vote is this evening.

A family sues the Metro Gang Strike Force.]

Gas efficient driving will be on display today.

D.C.

President Obama will hold a news conference today at 11:30 AM. You can listen to it live on MPR.

President Obama announced a deal with drug companies.

He also signed a sweeping anti-smoking bill.

Justices exempt a Texas district from the voting rights act.

Smart Politics wonders whether Minnesota's congressional delegation is voting more conservatively.

A ten year old health advocate takes his message to Washington.

The Climate Change bill is headed to the House floor for a vote.

The Hill says there's no chance DFL Rep. Collin Peterson loses his chairmanship.

Lobbyists back DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar's highway bill.

2010

GOP state Rep. Tom Emmer considers a run for governor.

Check how the Taxpayers League of Minnesota rank the gubernatorial hopefuls.

2012

Gov. Pawlenty is hitting the road over the next few months.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

MSNBC takes a look at the race by the numbers.

Finally

Styx visits the White House.

The Daily Digest: 6-22-09

Posted at 7:05 AM on June 22, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Low income renters are worried about Gov. Pawlenty's cut to the renter's credit.

Minnesota school officials are scrambling to find funding after Gov. Pawlenty promised an IOU to them.

Crookston school officials are forced to borrow after Pawlenty's unallotment.

U of M grad students are facing a large tuition hike.

No lawsuits have been filed yet to challenge Pawlenty's authority.

The U of M will vote on a dry stadium proposal this week.

The Minnesota Senior Federation is dissolving.

Minnesota House Republicans will pick a new leader this week.

D.C.

Republicans call President Obama timid on Iran.

Democrats worry the health plan lacks the votes to pass.

Democratic donor Sam Kaplan is named ambassador to Morocco.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar takes aim to Sonia Sotomayor's critics.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum will hold a hearing on the ammunition site in Arden Hills.

She will also hold a townhall meeting on health care on July first.

The Wall Street Journal takes a look at DFL Rep. Collin Peterson's unhappiness with the Climate Change bill.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz complains that the Climate Change bill is moving too fast.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

The wait for Minnesota's second senator starts its fourth season.

Finally

Jib-Jab's take on Obama.

The Daily Digest: 6-19-09

Posted at 6:28 AM on June 19, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

DFLers in control of the Legislature challenged Gov. Pawlenty's cuts on Thursday. During the hearing, DFL lawmakers questioned the impact of the cuts, the number of job losses it would cause and whether the action was legal. MPR, the Star Tribune, WCCO, AP, the Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.

Meanwhile, a conservative group continues to criticize LGA.

The ex head of the Metro Gang Strike force talked about seized cars and cash with the Legislative Auditor.

93 more victims of the I-35W bridge collapse file a lawsuit sue the engineer and construction firms.

D.C.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar proposes a $500 billion transportation funding bill.

Politico says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann spent $100,000 in taxpayer money on printing and franked mail in the 1st quarter of the year.

The Hill says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is courting both sides to get a deal on the climate change bill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

MPR gets the farmer's take on Peterson's stance.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz wants to ban earmarks for for-profit corporations.

There's more coverage on DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar's look into the exclusive arrangements between cell phone companies and smartphones.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison said Palestinians can't live under current conditions.

Congress approved the $106 billion war funding bill.

The Senate passes a cash for clunkers bill.

The Senate also apologizes for slavery.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner pushes President Obama's financial regulatory overhaul.

Pelosi says the Federal Reserve needs more transparency.

Democrats pare back the public subsidies in the health bill.

2010

As expected, GOP state Rep. Paul Kohls officially joins the race for governor. You can listen to my interview with him here.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

Politics in Minnesota has egg on its face this morning after they reported the ruling would come Thursday and it didn't.

The Star Tribune and the Minnesota Independent is reporting that the FEC says Norm Coleman can't pay all of his legal bills with campaign cash.

2012

Race42008 puts Pawlenty fourth in its GOP presidential power rankings.

Finally

For some reason, I missed Stephen Colbert getting his head shaved in Iraq.

The Daily Digest: 6-18-09

Posted at 7:07 AM on June 18, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The Legislative Advisory Commission will meet this afternoon to discuss Gov. Pawlenty's unallotment plan.

DFLers call Pawlenty stubborn on cuts.

Critics are taking aim at Pawlenty's plan.

Cities are also dealing with the aid cuts.

DFL Sen. Linda Berglin said the governor's move to use Health Care Access Fund money for unallotment exceeds his authority.

WCCO looks at who was spared from the budget cuts.

Gov. Pawlenty also wrote a letter to Wisconsin's governor telling him that he would examine ending the state's tax reciprocity agreement if Wisconsin doesn't speed up its payments to Minnesota.

The state will release its May job numbers today.

The Mayo Clinic announces it will expand at the megamall. They can't say what the facility will focus on or when it will be available to the public. But we're told it will be a "gateway."

Input is being sought for the future of an ammunition plant. DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is mentioned.

Minnesotans examine rising workers' comp costs.

There are more 35W bridge suits on tap.

A jury rules that 3M did not cause a loss in property values.

D.C.

GOP Rep. John Kline is now the top Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee. Politico, Forum Communications, the Pi Press, KSTP and MPR have stories. You can also listen to an interview with Kline here.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he's still undecided about the climate change bill. It comes at a time when the White House begins an energy push.

Politico also reports that DFL Rep. Collin Peterson blocked President Obama's financial reform proposal.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison voted against the war funding.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann opposes plans to extend the Northstar Commuter Rail Line to St. Cloud. She answered a few questions (written only). You can read her written answers here.

The Transportation Secretary wants a delay in the highway bill. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar doesn't.

Oberstar will lay out his vision for transportation today. He wants a 57% jump in spending.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar writes an op-ed on health care.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says she won't fill out the entire census. Has anyone told her that Minnesota is in a street fight to maintain eight seats in Congress?

She also blogs that she's committed to reducing the deficit.

Kline and GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen are also members of the caucus.

A comic book on Bachmann is also in print.

President Obama's approval has dropped below 60% in Minnesota.

A new poll says the public is increasingly concerned about the deficit.

President Obama signed a memo extending some benefits, such as visitation or dependent-care rights, to the same-sex partners of gay federal employees.

2010

DFL gov candidate Matt Entenza rips Pawlenty's plan on unallotment.

2008 Race for U.S. Senate

PIM says the Supreme Court ruling will come down today but relies on unnamed sources. For the record Coleman's campaign manager, who is a party to the lawsuit, said he has not been notified of anything regarding the timing of the ruling.

Comment on this post

The Daily Digest: 6-17-09

Posted at 6:37 AM on June 17, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Local governments and health and human services programs take the brunt of the cuts in Gov. Pawlenty's unallotment plan. MPR, AP, the Pi Press, MinnPost, Fox9, the Star Tribune and Forum Communications have stories.

The plan draws concerns from lawmakers and special interest groups.

Here's a list of the proposed unallotments.

Here's how it will impact you.

Several cities, like Winona, will face shortfalls because of the cuts. Winona is now facing a $1.1 million budget gap.

Health care is facing significant cuts.

The political tax refund has also been scrapped.

The smaller cuts are still a concern for educators. MPR and the Star Tribune have a look.

The head of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota praises Pawlenty.

Lawmakers hold a hearing on Thursday to discuss the impact of the cuts.

Can a small community college survive in a tough economy?

WCCO says Gov. Pawlenty is not raising taxes but Minnesotans are still paying more.

Nonprofits feel the pain of the recession.

The 3M-contamination case heads to a Washington County jury.

D.C.

President Obama will detail his plans for financial reform today.

He will also raise $3 million for Democrats.

Obama will also give same sex partners federal benefits.

A White House report warns of climate change effects.

Farm belt lawmakers, like DFL Rep. Collin Peterson, continue to challenge the climate change bill.

The U.S. House approves a war-funding bill.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduces a food safety bill.

Officials with VA Hospitals were on Capitol Hill Tuesday to answer for mistakes that left thousands of veterans at risk for HIV and hepatitis. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

GOP Rep. John Kline is seen as the leader to get the top Republican spot on the House Education and Labor Committee.

House Democrats craft a six-year, $450 billion transportation bill with still no consensus on how to fund it. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2010

GOP state Rep. Marty Seifert filed the official paperwork to run for governor.

The Daily Digest: 6-16-09

Posted at 6:41 AM on June 16, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty will release his plan to balance the state's budget on his own at a Capitol news conference at 2 pm. MPR will provide live coverage of the announcement on the radio and will also live stream it on the web.

MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune and Forum Communications have preview stories.

The Pi Press also says cities are bracing for cuts. City Councils, like Mankato's, are preparing for the worst.

WCCO reality checks whether you can balance the budget with cuts alone.

MDH announces the first H1N1 flu death in Minnesota.

D.C.

President Obama speaks out about the Iranian election.

U of M students also protest the election in Iran.

President Obama says health care is a ticking time bomb.

The Congressional Budget Office says a bill that would dramatically reduce the ranks of the uninsured will cost $1 trillion.

A GOP consultant says Obama is unifying Republicans.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar nominates Sharon Lubinski, the assistant police chief of Minneapolis, to serve as Minnesota's new U.S. Marshal.

Klobuchar also introduces a bill that would save broadband money.

Reuters and The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) say Klobuchar also wants the FCC to investigate cell phone companies that have exclusive phones.

GOP Rep. John Kline is still working to win the top GOP slot on the House Education and Labor Committee.

The GOP House Minority Leader says he's torn on whether to back Kline or the other two candidates.

Playwright Tony Kushner brings up GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann when discussing his new play.

A Lake Elmo auto dealer dropped by Chrysler is weighing his options. Bachmann is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson said he would support plans to zero out funding for an Animal ID law unless it becomes mandatory.

Business is working to make changes to the cap and trade law. Peterson is mentioned.

Several groups say the U.S. moved too fast in the wolf delisting.

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar will release his plans for the transportation bill later this week.

Former GOP Rep. Jim Ramsta