The Daily Digest: 3-31-08
Senate Committees take up confirmations today. The confirmation of Labor And Industry Commissioner Steve Sviggum and Health Commissioner Sanne Magnan are on the docket.
Senate DFLers turn to the surplus and budget cuts to balance the budget.
There could be a deal on a bonding bill soon but Forum Communications says the Pawlenty Administration is still trying to close a deal on land for a proposed state park.
The Star Tribune says the state's STD rate keeps rising.
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There's a push to do background checks on coaches.
The Pi Press has a story on a push to make Minnesota "The State of Hockey."
Congress
The St. Cloud Times says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann won't seek earmarks for the St. Cloud bridge project.
The Star Tribune has a story on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bachmann is mentioned. She wants to keep incandescent bulbs on the market.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz says the country needs to help service members.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison were in Pakistan.
Farmers want a Farm Bill to get done. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
NTSB members say politics did not play a factor in holding a hearing on the I-35W bridge collapse. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
2008 Race for President
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar backs Barack Obama.
Promos for Larry King Live are allegedly saying Jesse Ventura could run for president. Ventura, who is marketing his new book, is scheduled to be on the show on Tuesday.
2008 U.S. Senate Race
The Washington Post says GOP candidates, including GOP Sen. Norm Coleman, may find comfort in soft money.
The Pi Press also says the campaign could get ugly.
WCCO Reality Checks on Norm Coleman's independence.
The Pi Press has a profile of Coleman.
KTTC has a story on the endorsing convention in Olmstead County. Democrat Al Franken is mentioned.
2008 Race for Congress
Brian Davis wins the GOP endorsement in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. He'll face Dick Day in a GOP primary. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is running for reelection.
Democrat Elwyn Tinklenberg picks up some delegates in St. Cloud. He's hoping to challenge GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.
CQ has a rundown on all of the state's congressional races.
2008 RNC
The Pi Press says there could be an extra two hours added to bar closing time but not at every establishment.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
The Fix says Pawlenty is still the most likely VP choice for McCain.
North Dakota's governor is rooting for Pawlenty to be picked as VP. He made the comments right before Pawlenty raised some money for him.
Survey USA has a poll saying McCain's pick matters to voters.
Finally
Good-bye Dith Pran.