The Daily Digest: 4-16-07
The Digest returns from New Jersey where there was a little news over the weekend. First, the governor of New Jersey didn't wear his seat belt and is seriously injured in a car crash. The accident leads one to wonder where Gov. Pawlenty sits in his vehicle and whether he wears a seat belt. There was also a massive rain storm out East which grounded some flights.
First off, Happy Patriots Day!
Now, on to the news. The Star Tribune says the gas tax is at its lowest level ever when you factor in inflation.
Forum Communications says DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says Pawlenty looking for a way out on transportation funding.
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The Star Tribune writes about JOBZ
Forum Communications says lawmakers have plenty of ideas on fuel sources.
MPCA is getting tougher on 3M.
AP writes about stem cell funding for the U of M.
Bills in the Legislature and in Congress would tighten web sales of prescription medicine.
GOP Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem fears a special session in on the horizon.
Forum Communications writes about garbage.
Congress
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez will testify before Congress on Tuesday. GOP Senator Norm Coleman says the Attorney General has serious problems.
Speaking of U.S. Attorneys. Minnesota's U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose defends her credentials in light of recent self demotions in her office because of Paulose's management style.
Norm Coleman also tells the Washington Post that people care about passports.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she wants an investigation into Long Term Care insurance companies.
GOP Rep. John Kline and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann attend tax rallies. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Keith attend rallies to reduce global warming. The groups argue over who had more people there. Who gets to claim the folks who don’t like taxes AND global warming? "Hey, that guy walking his dog is with us!"
DFL Rep. Tim Walz gave a speech to the U of M last week. Read a story about it here. Better yet, listen to it on MPR's Midday here.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will also be on MPR's Midmorning program today.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is sounding a cautious note on the farm bill.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar went to Belgium over the Easter break. This story focuses on congressional trips.
Oberstar also supports congressional earmarks for Alaska. Nice to see Kevin Diaz (who wrote for the Strib) land on his feet.
2008
The Washington Post's "The Fix" has a Senate line.
The Washington Times says Democrats will use the war in Iraq in 2008 races (GOP Senator Norm Coleman is mentioned).
AP says Al Franken gets off to a fast fundraising start.
He also attended a Kandiyohi County bean feed. Is Dale Fladeboe (in the picture) related to former House DFL spokesman Glen Fladeboe?
DFL Rep. Tim Walz nets $185,000.
The Pi Press says politics is taking a funny turn.
Blog Watch
MDE posts Norm Coleman's interview with CNN.
MNPublius writes about Coleman's vulnerability via the Fix's line.
A Blue Stem Prairie writes about Tim Walz' campaign warchest.
The Big Question writes about The Big Question. Eric Black's quote on objectivity is an eye opener and makes some political journalists gnash their teeth.
Polinaut says Ciresi is set to announce his Senate bid this week.
Hotline says the race for the GOP nomination for president is tightening. Quick, someone ask Pawlenty if he wants to be VP.
Truth v the Machine writes that the push for tax increases could push businesses and residents to other states.
Minnesota Monitor details GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's fundraising numbers.
Residual Forces has video from the Taxpayers rally.
Lambert to the Slaughter examines the Singleton/Ridder fight. We're taking suggestions on fight card names - something along the lines of Thrilla in Manila? How about the Paper Caper?
Finally, good luck to those running the Boston Marathon. I ran it twice but not in this weather. Despite the conditions, I hope they have as much fun running the best marathon in the world as I did.