The Daily Digest: 2-25-08

Today is the day when we learn whether the fellowship on the transportation bill will break apart (see Lord of the Rings). The fellowship can be interpreted as the GOP Caucus which promised to protect Gov. Pawlenty's vetoes OR the six Republicans who broke ranks and voted for the transportation bill.

The veto override vote can come as early as today and the pressure is on. Forum Communications, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press, the St. Cloud Times and MPR have stories.

Republicans delay endorsing GOP Rep. Kathy Tingelstad over the weekend because she voted for the transportation bill (MDE check your spelling of Tingelstad).

MPR has a story on how Pawlenty's veto impacts transit.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

The Star Tribune writes on Carol Molnau's decision to sell her farm near the road she pushed during her time as House Transportation Chair.

The budget forecast is also coming on Thursday and it doesn't look good.

Rural cities are seeking a boost in LGA. The Bemidji Pioneer and the Albert Lea Tribune have stories.

The gun debate could return to the Capitol.

KARE writes about the smoking ban loophole. It says MDH is working with the AG's office to figure out a way to control the loophole.

KARE says illegal immigration is becoming an issue.

The state backs off a plan that would put sex offenders in Walker homes.

A Survey USA poll says a majority opposes increasing the sales tax for the outdoors and cultural programs. The poll also says a majority support seat belts for schools buses.

NGA Winter Meetings

Pawlenty calls for cleaner energy at the NGA winter meetings. The Star Tribune, AP, the Pi Press and Stateline have stories.

Pawlenty also said coal has to be a part of the solution.

Reuters says the NGA is going to push for more federal spending on infrastructure. The I-35W bridge is mentioned. Pawlenty basically dismisses the idea in this AP story.

Congress

The Farm Bill faces an uphill battle as it nears expiration.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson tells Reuters that time is running out on the Farm Bill.

AP says identity theft prevention efforts are lacking. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.

Coleman also hears about forest product concerns.

Forum Communications says the impact of a NWA merger on the Upper Midwest is great. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.

Klobuchar goes back to Yale for a fireside chat. I hope you said hello to Michael Khoo.

GOP Rep. John Kline nominated a Rosemount resident to the Air Force Academy.

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is working to end forced marriages.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann met with Anoka business leaders.

2008 U.S. Senate Race

Stu Rothenberg says the race is a toss-up.

Mike Ciresi kicks a bunch of his own money into the race. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.

Democrat Al Franken speaks in Las Vegas.

DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez says in this op-ed that Coleman is too cozy with Bush.

Nicole Russell with GOPconventionreport makes the case against Franken in The American Spectator.

2008 Race for President

A new Survey USA poll has both Clinton and Obama polling ahead of John McCain in Minnesota.

Republican John McCain makes his case to GOP governors.

Some local conservatives still are not so sure about McCain but Pawlenty talks up McCain's conservative credentials with the National Review.

Pawlenty says Ralph Nader's entry into the presidential race could upset the Democratic contest. Here's what Pawlenty said about Nader's candidacy in 2004:

"I love it," he said. "And I don't say that because I agree with Ralph Nader's politics; I just think it's tremendous to give people more options and more choices, but also it tends to at least peel off a little bit of support that would otherwise go to Democrats, and I think Republicans candidly are probably pretty happy about that."

Pawlenty for VP Watch

The New York Times and AP say there's a vice presidential buzz at the NGA.

CNN says the possible VP picks stay mum. Pawlenty said on both CNN and Fox News that:

"I don't need a day job. I have one. I'm focused on being governor."

KARE, KSTP and the Pi Press say Pawlenty campaigned for McCain on national TV.

The Star Tribune said Pawlenty dismissed the VP talk on the Sunday talk shows.

Perhaps the Star Tribune has come down with Pawlenty fever - just like Joel Achenbach who offered this unflattering analysis after Pawlenty's appearances:

"He looks good, but surely he can't be that bland in real life. He stuck to the talking points as though the failure to do so would cause him to plunge through a trap door."

The Fix says Pawlenty is in play:

Tim Pawlenty: The two-term Minnesota governor has to be considered the frontrunner at the moment to be McCain's pick. He hails from the electorally important Midwest, is young enough to balance concerns about McCain's age, and he stuck by the Arizona senator in the darkest days of the campaign. The criticism that Pawlenty is an unknown on the national stage may, in fact, be an argument in his favor -- voters won't bring any preconceived notions about him to the ticket. Never forget that one of the guiding principles in picking a VP is to find someone who is comfortable being seen but not heard. Want more about the man they call "Tpaw"?

As did George Will.

Conservative radio talk show host Jason Lewis writes in this Wall Street Journal op-ed that Pawlenty would be a bad VP choice (subscription required). Pawlenty defended his conservative credentials on Fox News Sunday.

2008 RNC

Protesters need to get their permits in by March 31st. The Star Tribune also writes about the rules surrounding the protesters. Some say the rules allow dissent while others say it allows for spying.

Finally

A Survey USA poll says four in ten in Minnesota are in debt.