The Daily Digest: 1-22-08
An AP investigation finds that Minnesota is on notice for 83 possible lawsuits because of the bridge collapse.
A legislative commission will meet today to discuss a bill to compensate the victims of the collapse. The bill was introduced last week.
The Star Tribune says the 35W bridge survivors aren't swayed by the recent NTSB findings.
Speaking of the NTSB findings, gusset plates were also responsible for the problems of a bridge in Ohio.
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Lawmakers hope to convince a wind turbine company to expand in Minnesota.
The Star Tribune says Ag giants persuaded the MPCA to alter some of the agency rules.
The Minnesota Chamber backs a 7 and a half cent gas tax increase.
Local governments pay to lobby the Legislature.
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie met with local election officials to make sure the election goes well.
Gov. Pawlenty announced the opening of a St. Cloud Human Rights office.
NWA merger talks
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants the Commerce Committee to study the impact of a possible merger.
Pawlenty also called for a meeting with executives at Delta and Northwest Airlines.
AP says the name and headquarters are a thorny issue for a possible NWA merger.
Congress
An occasional driver for GOP Sen. Norm Coleman was arrested for driving drunk.
Coleman was also one of several politicos who attended a MLK rally in St. Paul.
Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar welcome a quick rebate plan to jumpstart the economy.
AP says a growing number of lawmakers are opposing earmarks. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.
The St. Cloud Times writes about the flap involving GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann. Democrats and liberal bloggers pounced on her comments about the economy.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is at the center of Farm Bill talks.
2008
The Fix ranks Minnesota's U.S. Senate race and Minnesota's 3rd in its top ten races around the country.
Stu Rothenberg also calls the 3rd a toss-up.
MPR interviews former DFL delegates about the U.S. Senate race.
Out of state donors are giving a greater amount of money to the U.S. Senate candidates.
The DFL Senate hopefuls also squared off in Austin.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz's campaign says he's raised more than $1 million for his reelection campaign.
The Star Tribune has a caucus primer.
Norm Coleman was in Florida campaigning for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Two DFLers are vying to run off against Kline.
KSTP also asks "Where are the candidates?" Let's see - there are primaries in South Carolina and Florida coming up. My spidey senses say the candidates are there.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution says Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is a possible VP candidate. Gov. Pawlenty is also mentioned.