The Daily Digest: 3-10-08

We lead today with Governor Pawlenty's out of state travel. He was in Washington DC again this weekend to attend the annual Gridiron Dinner. The Swamp says there were jokes about him being on the McCain ticket:

Texas Gov. Rick Perry was introduced, and so was Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.

"Each would bring important balance to a McCain ticket," said Al Hunt... "They are Republicans."

While Pawlenty was in DC, GOP activists were busy endorsing challengers over Rep. Ron Erhardt and Rep. Neil Peterson. Rep. Jim Abeler of Anoka didn't have a challenger but was still not endorsed. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.

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The Star Tribune has a story on the Hwy. 60 language in the transportation bill and how it swayed Hamilton to vote for the bill and the veto override.

Committees in the House and Senate will start taking a deeper look at Gov. Pawlenty's budget proposal.

The Pi Press says California's clean car rules are a tough sell in Minnesota.

Forum Communications has more than you would ever want to know about the 3% debt limit and how it relates to the bonding bill. Lawmakers hope to get the bonding bill to the governor by the end of the week.

Funding for the Central Corridor is in the bonding bill. The Pi Press also has a story on St. Paul's University Avenue. That's where the choo choo will go.

Talk about vitamin water! AP has an investigation on the nation's water supply. Traces of pharmaceuticals are in the system.

Congress

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar questions rising drug prices.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is quoted in this story detailing a crackdown on tax havens.

Narcotics task force funding is slashed. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned in this MNDaily story on ending the embargo on Cuba.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann appeared at a few endorsing conventions this weekend.

The Farm Bill is expected to include disaster relief funds. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

2008 Race for President

Beltrami County Republicans are urged to support John McCain. They supported Mike Huckabee.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

ABC News says the VP stakes are high for John McCain.

The BBC wonders who will be picked.

The Anchorage Daily News says Alaska's governor has a shot at being on the McCain ticket. Pawlenty is mentioned.