The Daily Digest: 2-18-08
Transportation will be a hot topic this week. The Pi Press says House and Senate DFL leaders are saying take it or leave it on the transportation funding bill. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the bill by the end of the week. The Legislative Auditor will also release a report on Tuesday on the condition of the state's roads and bridges.
Forum Communications profiles House Transportation Chair Bernie Lieder.
The backers of a bill that would limit car emissions say it will create jobs. They held a news conference to discuss it. Forum Communications and KARE have stories.
The St. Cloud Times has a Capitol roundup.
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The Pi Press says House DFL leadership is promising quick action this session with an eye on November.
Marchers protest Gov. Pawlenty's immigration plan.
The push is on to ban so-called "dangerous dogs."
DFL Rep. Tom Huntley, who authored the smoking ban legislation, says he isn't too happy about the "smoking plays" issue.
One lawmaker is focusing on floating horse teeth.
Some homeowners are still waiting for help from the floods.
The MPCA draws up ballast water recommendations.
Lawmakers in Ohio and Wisconsin could derail the Great Lakes water compact.
Northwest merger talks
Some reports say the deal could come as soon as Wednesday.
Meanwhile reports say Delta/NWA reached an agreement with the Pilots Union.
Meanwhile, Northwest officials say they're talking with Gov. Pawlenty.
Senate President Jim Metzen and others are worried about the possible NWA deal and may hold a hearing this week. Forum Communications, MPR and the Pi Press have stories.
Kessler reality checks the amount of Minnesota money being spent on NWA.
Congress
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman says Gen. Petraeus proved him wrong on Iraq.
The floods in southeastern Minnesota have still left a mark. Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar are mentioned.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned in this story on the FISA extension vote.
Farm Bill talks are at a standstill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
2008 Presidential
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee makes an early morning stop in Hudson, WI.
The candidates campaign in Wisconsin with the hopes of winning Tuesday's primary. MSNBC and the Star Tribune have stories.
The Star Tribune outlines where Minnesota's superdelegates stand.
Politico outlines some possible GOP attacks on Obama.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Politico takes a look at Pawlenty's VP chances.
The London Telegraph quotes a few John McCain aides (not by name, of course) saying Pawlenty is near the top of the list.
David Yepsen also speculates on Pawlenty as does the Arizona Register and Forbes.
A contributor for the conservative Look True North says McCain should look somewhere else.
The Kansas City Star has a long list of candidates.
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue is also mentioned as a possible running mate for McCain.
2008 U.S. Senate race
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer stopped in Duluth and will make a stop in Bemidji.
The Bemidji Pioneer also writes about Al Franken.