The Daily Digest: 1-14-08
Gov. Pawlenty released his bonding bill priorities this morning. Transportation, including funding for bridges, takes up a large part of the bill. There is also $70 million for the Central Corridor, $258 million for higher education, cleanup of a landfill polluted by 3M chemicals, funding for his SEED initiative, money for the proposed Minnesota steel plant and the DECC. Pawlenty will promote his initiatives at stops throughout the state.
GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert must like the proposal since he called for greater borrowing for roads and bridges.
Pawlenty just got back from a weekend of political campaigning for presidential hopeful John McCain in Michigan. MPR also says Pawlenty may be building a national network of supporters by making these types of trips.
Pawlenty also gave the speech at the Lincoln Day dinner in Genesee County, MI.
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A climate panel is at an impasse over emissions standards.
Two panels are going to propose big changes to health care. We'll see if these reports get anywhere or start collecting dust next to the other proposals that were promising big changes to health care.
A panel is working to change how redistricting occurs. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, KARE-11 and Forum Communications have stories.
The Pi Press says MnDOT spent $157,000 for stairs at the I-35W bridge.
Forgot to post this one on Friday: The Star Tribune says practicality could spare Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau's ouster as Transportation Commissioner.
KSTP says it's getting harder for police departments to get access to bullets.
MPR writes about the political chaos in Northfield.
Manufacturers are now footing some of the bill for e-waste disposal.
Congress
A Delta merger would prompt concern from Congress. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned because he's skeptical of consolidation. Why is that important? Oberstar chairs the House Transportation Committee.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz visits Afghanistan and Pakistan. MPR, the Rochester Post-Bulletin, AP and the Star Tribune have stories.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks in Grand Forks later this week.
Klobuchar also gets high marks for her congressional website. The report says others in Congress aren't doing that great of a job on their websites.
GOP Rep. John Kline attends a ceremony honoring returning soldiers.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison may no longer be the only Muslim congressman. The grandson of the late Democratic Congresswoman Julia Carson was nominated by the Democratic Party over the weekend. The district includes Indianapolis.
2008
The GOP candidates in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District hold their first debate.
The 3rd District DFL candidates debated on Almanac.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachman kicks off her 2008 campaign. Thanks for the invite.
AP looks at Hollywood donors. Franken is mentioned.
DFL U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Ciresi says his second attempt is different because he's going to win this time. The voters are now informed.
Is Mike Huckabee taking a swipe at Gov. Pawlenty and Minnesota? (h/t Lloydletta).
MPR says Michael Bloomberg backers are seeking the support of Minnesota's Independence Party.
The Star Tribune says Minnesota's Republican Party is divided.
NPR has an interesting story on what kind of health care coverage the presidential candidates have.