The Daily Digest: 2-12-08
The 2008 Legislative Session begins today and here's the big question: Will there be any major things done this session. DFL lawmakers say they want to pass a transportation bill and a bonding bill quickly. They may also face a larger budget deficit when a new revenue forecast is released in a few weeks.
MPR, AP, the Star Tribune, Fox9, the Pi Press and KARE have stories.
Forum Communications says not much has changed in nine months.
DFLers release their transportation funding bill today. The Star Tribune says an early battle looms over it.
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Missouri's new bridge plan is getting noticed in Minnesota.
MPR says a quiet legislative session is expected on education.
Here's another warning sign that the February forecast won't be good. State revenue collections fell short in January.
Some DFLers also put forward a health insurance plan. The Star Tribune, Forum Communications and KARE have stories.
The Arts/Outdoors Amendment is on the fast track.
A bill would toughen penalties against stalkers. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
PFCs in drinking water will be subject at several meetings.
A lawsuit challenges the per diem increases passed by lawmakers. The Pi Press and AP have stories.
A woman's coalition releases its femicide report.
Congress
Federal budget cuts could take a bite out of research labs. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad is one of a handful of Republicans who are retiring this year.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says she'd be willing to turn the Roger Clemens steroid mess over to the Department of Justice.
The Des Moines Register says DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is working on a Farm Bill that President Bush could agree to.
Peterson says he's going to work to gain bipartisan agreement on the Farm Bill even though a veto could play well politically for Democrats.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says Congress will hold airlines "feet to the fire" to make sure they don't compromise safety.
2008 Presidential race
AP says Minnesota's super delegates are being courted.
Ron Paul won't back John McCain.
2008 U.S. Senate Race
Mike Ciresi says he's more electable than Al Franken.
2008 Pawlenty for VP Watch
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) says Pawlenty is trading high on the WSJ's Political Market page.
AP mentions Pawlenty as being on a short list.
This Human Events commentator says he might be the best choice.