The Daily Digest: 2-28-08
Today is the day for the revenue forecast and no one is glad.
Some special interests could see some cuts which will make them sad.
MPR, AP, Forum Communications, the Pi Press, KSTP and Fox9 have stories.
But buckle up folks and stop the sobs,
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The bright side is there was a jump in January jobs.
The Senate may take up the Molnau vote.
The writing on the wall says 'That's all she wrote.'
MPR, the Star Tribune, AP and ECM have stories.
AP has a profile on DFL Sen. Steve Murphy of Red Wing.
One of his former foes called him - the guy who had a little zing.
The governor was mad this week - maybe the stress is taking its toll.
Don't worry gov, you still get top marks in the latest poll.
The Met council says ok to the train.
But WCCO says driving on University Ave. could be a pain.
KARE says lawmakers are thinking about taxing clothes.
An idea that has Pawlenty saying No No No.
Notice the rhyming and wondering why?
Don't be silly, Minnesota's Poet Laureate is Robert Bly.
That's it for rhyming, I can't let it fester.
Mostly because I can't find a word that rhymes with Kessler.
WCCO reality checks transportation taxes.
Minnesota faces a major health care worker shortage.
Forum Communications says groups seek pesticide and toy chemical changes.
A bill would also label lead tackle as toxic.
Fox9 says the GOP Chair is challenging the DFL Chair to a series of debates on the transportation bill.
Congress
Immigration officials return to Worthington.
Feds fail to meet ID theft standards. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
The Christian Science Monitor says the GOP welcomes a debate on Iraq. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.
State and Duluth officials call for federal assistance to clean up the Great Lakes.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz has joined the fight to keep the Delta Queen running. That puts him at odds with DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar.
Politico says GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad's replacement may differ with Ramstad on trade.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi helps jumpstart Farm Bill talks. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Corn growers still expect a deal on the Farm Bill.
The airline merger may be good for Detroit. Oberstar is mentioned.
2008 U.S. Senate race
Norm Coleman's campaign apologizes for identical editorials.
This story on the Forbes website says Democrat Al Franken proves a formidable foe.
DFLers in Hubbard County back Franken.
2008 Race for President
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says hints that Barack Obama is a Muslim won't have an effect.
David Broder gets Pawlenty's take on the race.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Robert Novak rips Pawlenty's global warming plan and writes in his column that it's not the way to run for Vice-President.
Novak also said this in his weekly e-mail:
It was a less favorable NGA meeting for the organization's chairman, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. His carbon-emissions proposal was shot down by bipartisan opposition from the coal-oil bloc of governors, and that did not help his vice presidential aspirations.
AP says the speculation over VP is intensifying.
2008 Race for Congress
The Rochester Post-Bulletin writes about lawsuits against Republican Randy Demmer, who's running for Congress in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District.
Newsweek asks whether White House allies are playing hardball with eavesdropping. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.
MNBlue has a wrap-up of the DFL debate in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional district.
2008 RNC
Protesters can start requesting permits starting Monday.
The city will hold marchers to 1 route.
Apologies
Apologies to those who didn't get the digest e-mail yesterday. There were technical problems which I hope have been fixed. I could use this as an excuse to give a financial contribution to MPR. But I know that I don't need to since you appreciate this FREE service for political information and will support it.
Finally
Good-bye William F. Buckley Jr.