The Daily Digest: 2-1-08

The latest MPR/Humphrey Institute poll has Al Franken leading the DFL field. Franken and GOP incumbent are also nose to nose in a head to head matchup. MPR has a story. Here are the complete results.

DFLer Mike Ciresi self-funded his campaign even though he said he wouldn't.

The Pi Press has a good look at the Senate money race (and the Congressional races).

DFL Senate candidate Jim Cohen is quitting the race. AP and the Pi Press have stories.

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Franken visits Tower.

2008 presidential

The Star Tribune says Mitt Romney may make a stop in the state.

Ron Paul will. A campaign news release says the Texas Congressman will be making a Monday stop at the U of M. The rally will take place from 7:00 - 8:00pm at the University of Minnesota Coffman Union Grand Hall.

Governor Pawlenty will also make a Saturday trip to Illinois on behalf of John McCain. He'll be campaigning in the Illinois cities of Springfield and Peoria. The campaign isn't sure if he'll stop in another state before he returns to Minnesota on Sunday night.

GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad backs McCain.

State Government

Gov. Pawlenty, GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar are just some of the dignitaries who will attend the Keewatin taconite plant expansion. The Star Tribune and Northland News have stories.

Pawlenty names a new judge for Ramsey County.

The Minnesota Health Department says it's premature to mandate the HPV vaccine for girls. The Pi Press and MPR have stories.

The department also says the uninsured rate stops sliding.

The Pi Press says the state sets a lofty goal for wind energy.

Lawmakers criticized Medicaid cutbacks to children.

A group, including MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and former GOP Gov. Alan Quie, are pushing for a new way to choose judges. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

Congress

Coleman rips the Homeland Security Director on the border rule changes.

Coleman also backs carbon capturing.

CQ quotes Coleman as saying the U.S. can't fail in Afghanistan.

Klobuchar backs an Indian health bill.

2008 RNC

A travel firm signs a deal with the RNC.