The Daily Digest: 3-17-08

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Be safe.

Gov. Pawlenty names his new chief justice this morning. The rumors are swirling that it's Eric Magnuson, who chairs Pawlenty's Judicial Selection Committee.

A Survey USA/KSTP poll says the public is unhappy with the Legislature and the transportation bill.

A Babbitt bar owner says he'll challenge a ticket for allowing smoking and will use the theater night loophole as the excuse.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

AP says states fight to keep governor e-mail private. Gov. Pawlenty does not use e-mail.

Pawlenty defends his travel. MPR, KARE and Forum Communications have stories.

Lawmakers are hunting for foreclosure answers.

WCCO says Minnesota is considering a doggy dining bill.

The Pi Press says Ellen Anderson is a tireless advocate for energy policy.

Forum Communications says Pawlenty's budget plan hits courts hard.

Metro county commissioners tell the Pawlenty Administration to keep their mitts off the transit tax.

AP says the construction firm working on the 35W bridge when it collapsed filed paperwork to sue the state.

The Star Tribune says MnDOT and Flatiron Construction are working hard to look good.

A bill that would fund a study into Iron Range miner deaths moves through committee.

The Pi Press says colleges could get state test scores.

The budget crunch could impact nursing homes.

Congress

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman says the economy is in a recession.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduces a proposal to increase funding for the COPS program.

Klobuchar also says ethanol is part of the reason why food prices are increasing.

The House defies Bush on the spy bill and then leaves town. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned. The Washington Post has a story. The Star Tribune details where the delegation voted.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says she will forego earmarks.

She also writes an op-ed on the Protect America Act.

2008 U.S. Senate race

A Survey USA/KSTP poll has GOP Sen. Norm Coleman with a ten point lead over Al Franken and a 29 point lead over Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.

The Star Tribune says Ciresi is out but there's still a DFL race.

The Washington Post says Republicans see storm clouds coming. Minnesota's Senate race is mentioned.

Al Franken takes two thirds of the delegates at the Beltrami County DFL convention.

CQ says Al Franken is selling plenty of clothing on his website.

2008 Race for Congress

The Star Tribune says Democrat Ashwin Madia is making noise in Minnesota's 3rd District.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann urges GOP delegates to support her financially.

2008 Race for President

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar, an undecided superdelegate, says Obama's candidacy is attractive to her.

GOP Rep. John Kline backs John McCain.

Alan Keyes stops in St. Cloud. No, he didn't stop his presidential campaign in St. Cloud. He made a stop in St. Cloud.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Jake Tapper is speculating that there may be movement towards a possible Romney for VP move.

The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes says Romney is the best choice.

The New Statesman and the Fort Worth Star Telegram say Pawlenty is in the mix.

2008 RNC

The Village Voice says St. Paul promises a kindler, gentler RNC.

Finally

Syracuse gets the #1 seed! Oh, in the NIT.