The Daily Digest: 2-13-08
Governor Pawlenty delivers his annual state of the state address from St. Cloud this morning at 11 am. You can listen to his speech live on MPR News stations and here.
Several St. Cloud officials hope Pawlenty brings gifts or makes a major announcement for St. Cloud during his speech.
The governor didn't make himself available to talk about the transportation bill put forward by the DFL controlled Legislature. He did, however, tell the 1,500 people at last night's MN Chamber of Commerce Dinner that he would hold the line on spending:
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"I don't want to have to do 55 vetoes like I did last year but if it comes to that, so be it. The word is going to go out, starting tomorrow, do not send tax increases to my desk. It will not end in a constructive result or product."
MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, the St. Cloud Times, Forum Communications, KARE and AP have stories on the first day of session.
KSTP has a new poll out (via Survey USA) on transportation funding. A majority oppose the gas tax increase and other tax increases. I can't find the results on their website. Send me a link if you find it.
MPR says the Legislature and the governor largely agree on the need for health care changes.
A legislative conference committee oks the legacy act that would raise the state sales tax for outdoors and cultural programs. It's now on its way to the House floor. The Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.
The Central Corridor is one step closer to reality with the latest agreement. The focus is now on the U of M. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
Minnesota moves to regulate ballast water.
Congress
Federal officials say they'll take a second look at the reward for the Zacarias Moussaoui tipsters. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar are mentioned. AP and the Star Tribune have stories.
U.S. lawmakers are targeting Cayman Islands tax shelters. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
The Rochester-Post Bulletin says the NRCC's woes fall on GOP Rep. John Kline's platter.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum intends to skip the steroids hearing in the House.
A top USDA officials says the failure to pass a Farm Bill would be "catastrophic." DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Reuters says a Farm Bill compromise could toughen subsidy rules. Peterson is mentioned.
The Duluth News Tribune says the full House could vote in a few weeks on a bill regulating ballast water. The paper says Minnesota is taking action as well (see above).
Oberstar also wants to investigate FAA oversight over Southwest Airlines.
Oberstar also writes an op-ed that criticizes the Bush Administration's user fee system for aviation programs.
A Kenosha County executive is indicted for getting improper donations. Oberstar is mentioned.
2008 U.S. Senate race
The DFL candidates debated in International Falls.
CQ details Coleman's fundraising.
2008 Race for Congress
ECM profiles the DFL race in Minnesota's 3rd District.
ECM also profiles GOP candidate Erik Paulsen and I-P candidate David Dillon.
Finally
The Pi Press starts a political blog. You can read The Political Animal here. Now be funny and quirky and add some perspective that people can't get anywhere else. And do it in addition to your regular jobs. Have fun!