The Daily Digest: 12-4-06
Legislative previews lead the digest today. The Star Tribune and MPR have stories saying don't expect a tax rebate anytime soon. Why, because it isn't that big. The other reason is that much of the suplus is tied up says Forum Communications.
The Star Tribune also says health care will be a big deal this session since Governor Pawlenty wants to insure every child.
Ely wants a local sales tax says the Timberjay.
Good news for the state's general fund. The Wall Street Journal says Europeans are traveling to Minnesota because of the weak dollar and are shopping.
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Star Tribune columnist Katherine Kersten says Pawlenty didn't blink on tax increases.
Star Tribune columnist Lori Sturdevant writes about GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert.
Congress
DFL Congressman Jim Oberstar (the incoming House Transportation Chair) is
mentioned in this NY Times story on trucking rules and safety concerns.
He also tells the Brainerd Dispatch that the situation in Iraq needs to be resolved.
Howard Dean, DFL executive director Andy O'Leary and Congressman-elect Tim Walz appear with DNC Chair Howard Dean over the weekend.
Dean gloats a bit about his 50 state strategy says the NY Times "The Caucus."
He also says the Democratic Party must show results.
USA Today writes about Congressman-elect Keith Ellison and the issue over what book he will swear on when he takes the oath of office.
The Star Tribune has a q and a with Congressman Martin Sabo who is retiring.
Some say Klobuchar is now a part of the "Sweet 16."
Fox News mentions her in their story on the growing number of women calling themselves senator.
Klobuchar is also opening a Rochester office.
GOP Congressman-elect is mentioned in this NY Times editorial.
New faces will bring a fresh farm bill (Congressman Collin Peterson mentioned).
The New York Times says more U.S. farmers are seeking subsidies.
2008
The local news outlets pick up on Friday's stories saying Pawlenty is backing Arizona Senator John McCain for President. The Star Tribune and MPR are just a few of the outlets that have stories.
Unfortunately for Pawlenty, his national profile isn't that large right now. Check out KVOA-TV's website for Pawlenty's job title. They get it right in the fourth graf though.
People must constantly confuse Michigan and Minnesota since this Concord Monitor column also says Keith Ellison is from Michigan (well, he's from Detroit but they think he represents Michigan).
Pawlenty headed to Arizona tonight for a National Governor's Association conference.
ABC Newspapers say he will kick off an Innovation America initiative.
MSNBC picks up the "Norm Coleman is vulnerable" story.
The National Review says the parties and the candidates should start worrying about 2008.
Tennessee Senator-elect Bob Corker will be in town to raise money for Coleman this month (h/t wind beneath the right wing)
The U.S. Transportation Secretary will be in Rochester today with Coleman, Pawlenty and Walz to talk D,M and E.
The choo-choo's president says he wasn't invited to the gathering and folks in Mankato don't like that Rochester's concerns are dominating the discussion.
A New York Times editorial takes a look at bloggers on the campaign payroll.
Other
The Washington Post has some historians write on whether George W. Bush is the worst president ever. The results are mixed with some saying it's hard to gauge since his term isn't over. None are glowing.
Douglas Brinkley column.
Michael Lind column.
Eric Foner column.
Vincent Cannato column.
David Greenberg column.
A DFL state lawmaker responds to President Bush's weekly radio address.
And finally, the Upper Midwest leads the nation in voter turnout.