The Daily Digest: 1-9-2008

In the words of the late, great Zen philosopher Vince Lombardi "What in the hell is going on around here!" Hillary Clinton wins New Hampshire even though polls had her down nearly double digits. John McCain wins New Hampshire even though his campaign was left for dead a few months ago. Story here. You don't need this New York Times analysis to see that this is a wide open race but I'll post it anyway.

Gov. Pawlenty said McCain's win could be another chapter of "John McCain, American hero."

KSTP says McCain's win means more eyes are on Pawlenty.

The Minnesota campaigns for Obama, Clinton and Romney will be speaking about their efforts today.

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The Legislative Auditor says Secretary of State Mark Ritchie did not misuse a state mailing list but says Ritchie should have been more forthcoming with the LA. Ritchie and DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez say Ritchie has been vindicated. MNGOP Chair Ron Carey calls Ritchie a liar. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press, Forum Communications, AP and MPR have stories. You can read the LA's interview with Ritchie here.

The Rochester Post-Bulletin says Pawlenty's immigration plan could cut into local law enforcement.

The Met Council is looking to trim the price tag of the Central Corridor.

Environmental groups lay out their legislative agenda.

MinnPost has a four part series on ethanol.

Congress

The Star Tribune says GOP Rep. John Kline's spurning of earmarks is having some cost in his district.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is set to visit Alexandria. It's part of her statewide tour. She just visited Worthington and Marshall.

The Congressional Black Caucus is split on backing Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.

GOP Sen. Larry Craig files another appeal.

2008

DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken is urging Duluth residents to support his campaign.

The Hill says Franken said in a video that he will air his first tv ad soon.

Residual Forces is all over MNGOP Chair Ron Carey's decision to back Mike Huckabee for President including Carey's letter to the state central committee.