The Daily Digest: 1-15-08
The National Transportation Safety Board will give an update on its findings into why the 35W bridge collapsed later today. The Pi Press, The New York Times and the Washington Post say the report will blame a design flaw, specifically gusset plates. The New York Times story quotes an investigator saying it couldn't have been found through inspections. Has MnDOT been vindicated?
USA Today says A two-year study being released Tuesday by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission is proposing a federal gas tax increase of up to forty cents a gallon over the next five years to help repair the nation's infrastructure.
The Star Tribune is also reporting that the Hasting bridge needs immediate repairs.
Gov. Pawlenty is focusing on transportation in his bonding bill priorities. Forum Communications, the St. Cloud Times, MPR, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
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DFLers criticize his plan.
The Pi Press also picks up the Pawlenty's comments that the dispute over the Central Corridor must end.
Democrats also blast the Pawlenty Administration for a delay in unemployment checks. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
Speaking of possible unemployment, there are reports that Delta Airlines is talking with Northwest Airlines about a possible merger. MPR wonders how a merger will impact the economy. A whole bunch of Minnesota politicos are expressing concern over the merger talks.
GOP Rep. Dennis Ozment is going to retire. He wrote a letter to his local paper. GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert says Ozment's seat heavily indexes GOP. Seifert also says he doesn't think this will be the last retirement this year.
Congress
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman posts a moderate voting record in 2007.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar backs an energy tax credit.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says he'll pursue a Peace Department after his trip to Norway
Forum Communications says a veto of the Farm Bill is certain unless changes are made. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
2008
U.S. Senate hopeful Al Franken hits the airwaves. MPR, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.
DFL U.S. Senate candidate Jim Cohen was on MPR's Midday yesterday.
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman will be in Florida on Friday speaking before the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Republican Erik Paulsen is the top fundraiser in Minnesota's 3rd. He raised $390K.
The Duluth News Tribune says Duluth's mayor Don Ness is backing Barack Obama for president.
2008 RNC
The AP says the average convention goer will spend $1600 during their visit.