The Daily Digest: 2-21-08
For some reason, the digest is in a Wyclef mood this morning:
"...I'm a tell you, like you Wu told me, cash rules everything around me. Singing dollar dollar bill y'all."
Maybe it has something to do with the behind the scenes lobbying on the transportation bill. The House votes on the bill today and DFLers are working to get a veto proof majority. The Star Tribune, AP and MPR have stories.
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The DFL needs five GOP members (assuming all 85 DFLers back the bill).
One wavering GOP member being targeted is GOP Rep. Rod Hamilton. He told Forum Communications:
"Democrats need my vote and I need Highway 60"
Governor Pawlenty also spoke behind closed doors to the House GOP caucus and the MNGOP is urging activists to contact their legislators.
Here are a few to watch but I'm told the number is larger than the gang of seven who voted for the bill last year. Supporters and opponents of the bill say no one should take too much from this vote since the key vote is the override vote.
The Minnesota State Patrol would also get a boost in cash if the bill becomes law.
A GOP attempt to offer an alternative to the bill failed.
Transit advocates try to gain some traction.
The State bridge chief rebuts his critics in testimony to the Legislative Auditor.
A proposal would invest funds in start up companies.
Officials say school buses are safe even without seat belts but there may be proposals to make buses safer.
The state says Hwy 23 is safe but drivers aren't so sure.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution says NWA's hometown is philosophical about possibly losing the airline.
Kessler reality checks the promises NWA made to Minnesota.
The St. Cloud Times says lobbying begins on the St. Cloud civic center.
A consortium says Minnesota lacks beds for long-term care of mentally ill.
MPR takes a look at St. Paul's plan for empty houses.
Congress
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota Democratic Senator Kent Conrad are pushing for rural air service. The comments were made at a forum on the economy.
Klobuchar also wants the faith based community to push for tougher domestic violence laws.
Minnesota is going to get a same day passport processing office. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
The Senate wants to pay Army Reservists more for drill travel. Coleman is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison will speak at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs meeting this weekend.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared at an ice fishing contest over the weekend.
Some are arguing for the nation to get tough on trade partners not cotton farmers in the Farm Bill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Bloomberg says ethanol adds to food and fertilizer costs and may boost emissions. Peterson says the ethanol boost means fewer government subsidies.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar keeps saying he'll fight the proposed merger between NWA and Delta.
2008 Race for President
John McCain denies a New York Times report saying he had an inappropriate relationship with a lobbyist.
A pro Hillary Clinton 527 drops some ads.
The Teamsters back Obama.
Clinton and Obama debate tonight.
2008 Race for Senate
The DSCC starts trying to lump John McCain, some GOP incumbent senators (like Norm Coleman) and George W. Bush together.
Democrat Al Franken campaigns in Duluth.
He's also headed to Las Vegas this weekend.
2008 Race for Congress
Dick Day says his name will appear on the primary ballot. The other GOP candidates in the 1st, Randy Demmer and Brian Davis, say they'll abide by the endorsement. The winner will challenge DFL Rep Tim Walz. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press, the Rochester Post-Bulletin and the Mankato Free Press have stories.