The Daily Digest: 4-8-08
Democrats (on both the federal and state level) will rip Gov. Pawlenty this morning for vetoing several transit components from the bonding bill.
The governor signed the bill but line-item vetoed more than $200 million from the bill. The Central Corridor topped the list of vetoed projects. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, ECM, Forum Communications, MinnPost, AP and Finance and Commerce have stories.
The Chair of the House Bonding Committee tells MPR that she's not so sure Central Corridor can be revived this session.
Some wonder why. Others are stunned but say they won't give up.
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Events centers in Bemidji, St. Cloud, Crookston and Duluth are spared but the governor vetoed an events center in Mankato.
MinnPost says former Attorney General Mike Hatch is still meddling with the AG's office. A DFL lawmaker also rips her DFL colleague for calling for an investigation into current Attorney General Lori Swanson.
Rural cities say they're concerned about the budget plan because it doesn't include LGA.
DFL offers a plan for future school funding. MPR, Forum Communications, the Star Tribune, the St. Cloud Times and AP have stories.
Gov. Pawlenty rips the proposal.
3M releases its plan to cleanup the east metro.
The Senate votes to ban ticket grabbing software. MPR and the Pi Press have stories.
DFL Sen. Ellen Anderson and DFL Rep. Jim Davnie write an op-ed regarding home foreclosures.
KTTC says Pawlenty will be heading to Winona tonight.
Lawmakers consider California's "clean car" standards.
Communities wrestle with what to do with plastic bags.
Congress
General David Petraeus testifies on Capitol Hill. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says another economic stimulus package may help a sputtering economy.
Some also want some additions to a second package. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison and DFL Rep. Collin Peterson are both pushing different pieces of legislation that would include a new federal bank to pay for major transportation projects.
Critics blast the Senate Housing bill. Coleman is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar and DFL Rep. Tim Walz talk transportation at the U of M.
Walz is urging action on Highway 14.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says he will hold a public hearing on the I-35W bridge collapse.
The FAA reassigns its inspection chief in light of his testimony. Oberstar is mentioned.
Oberstar will also speak in Crookston today.
CEOs tell President Bush that the stimulus plan will work.
Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner says in an op-ed that GOP Rep. John Kline and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann are misguided in their opposition to earmarks. Gaertner, who is a DFL candidate for governor, said the problem isn't earmarking but abuse of power.
2008 Race for Senate
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman brings in $2 million in the 1st quarter. He has nearly $7 million on hand. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune, AP and MPR have stories.
MSNBC's First Note discusses the 527 that's helping Coleman.
Jesse for Senate?
The former governor also said U.S. ballots should offer a "None of the Above" category.
2008 Race for Congress
Republicans are urging contributions to the GOP candidates in Minnesota's 3rd and 6th Congressional Districts.
Funny timing since Stu Rothenberg says Minnesota's 3rd is a part of his dangerous dozen house seats.
2008 Race for President
The New York Times says Barack Obama's young backers get a chance to twist their parent's arms. Klobuchar is mentioned.
The paper also says the superdelegate math makes it tough for Hillary Clinton.
The Star Tribune picks up on Ron Paul backers nabbing delegate slots.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
The Washington Times says former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman will hold an April fundraiser for Pawlenty. The paper says it spurs more VP talk.
Condi Rice plays down John McCain running mate rumors.
The Sleuth (via the Washington Post) said the Draft Condi rumors could harm Pawlenty's chances.
2008 RNC
The RNC announces hotel assignments. AP, MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.