The Daily Digest: 1-23-08
Lawmakers continue to debate how to properly compensate the victims of the I-35W bridge collapse. The latest proposal would give the victims up to $400 thousand. AP, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
Oodles and oodles of folks attend a march and rally on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision. It's an annual event for the MCCL, a group opposed to legalized abortion. KARE-11, AP, the Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
Several legislators want the ability to call a special session.
The Star Tribune says more water testing leads to more evidence of water pollution.
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The Pi Press says a DFL lawmaker wants to know whether MnDOT has recouped the cost overruns from the Wakota Bridge project.
Congress
Gov. Pawlenty is running ads urging Congress to take action on global warming.
A rail line from Minneapolis to Duluth could exceed cost projections. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman, DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar are mentioned.
The Star Tribune also says the rail line could spur billions in development.
Coleman and GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad are singled out for the support of an advanced digital hydraulic hybrid drive system technology for army vehicles.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz raised more than $1 million last year.
ECM Publishers picks up on GOP Rep. John Kline's decision to not take any more earmarks.
ECM also quotes Kline as saying he's upbeat about the prospects in Iraq.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum wants an investigation into possible privacy and national security breaches when the federal government resells data tapes.
McCollum is also mentioned in this story that focuses on baseball's financial hot streak and the expectation that it will continue despite the steroid scandal.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will deliver the keynote address at a U of M law school event.
The Hill says ranchers are battling meat exports. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Peterson also discussed the Farm Bill options.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is nominated as a "Porker of the Year."
2008
The Party Chairs are encouraging people to caucus on February 5th. MPR, the Star Tribune, Forum Communications and KSTP have stories.
2008 Senate
DFL candidate Al Franken will be on Midday at 11.
DFL Senate hopeful Jim Cohen continues to call himself a pragmatic progressive.
2008 Presidential
The Fix says Pawlenty as a possible VP pick.
Former GOP Rep. Vin Weber gives former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney advice on his economic stimulus package. (WSJ subscription required).
Romney also campaigns in Boca. GOP Norm Coleman is mentioned since he campaigned there over the weekend on former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani's behalf.
The AP has a list of who the nation's governors are backing.
2008 Congress
Congressional hopeful Ashwin Madia (a Democrat) hits the radio airwaves to promote his candidacy in the 3rd District. h/t MnPublius (a Democrat leaning blog).
Finally
Lock the doors! Fox9 gives Arne Carlson a blog!
Finally Finally
If you're going to make bold predictions about VP picks, make sure you get your facts right (h/t The Big Question).