The Daily Digest: 4-15-08

It's April 15th. I'm no accountant but I'd advise everyone to submit your tax returns by the end of the day.

On to the top story of the day.

It's official. Delta has acquired Northwest Airlines.

Minnesota loses the NWA headquarters but Delta promises the jobs will stay.

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GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar say they want to make sure the deal doesn't hurt Minnesota.

Political pressure is already mounting against the deal.

Gov. Pawlenty said he does not support the deal.

But some Georgia lawmakers support it.

This Detroit Free Press columnist says Minnesota loses the most.

State Government and Legislature

Gov. Pawlenty says he made a threat to DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich but says Sertich is being dramatic. The Star Tribune, Forum Communications and AP have stories.

The House moves forward with Real ID despite veto threats.

A medial marijuana group is spending $100k on a tv ad campaign. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press and MPR have stories.

The good faith bill is headed to Gov. Pawlenty. AP and the St. Cloud Times have stories.

The governor announced foreclosure assistance. The Star Tribune, Forum Communications and KARE have stories.

Congress

Collectors cost the IRS more than they save. GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad defends the practice.

Tax haven legislation is gaining momentum. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be giving a speech at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in South Carolina on May 3rd.

Farm talks hit snag on tax cuts. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned. Politico, UPI and the National Journal have stories.

2008 U.S. Senate Race

Democrat Al Franken challenges Republican Senator Norm Coleman on the economy. MPR, the Pi Press, KARE and AP have stories.

Franken tells MinnPost that his special interest is the middle class.

Judge for yourself. Here's the list of who got what in the Senate race.

Democrat Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer will speak in Duluth on Friday.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar campaigned yesterday for New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg in Newark.

2008 Race for President

The MNGOP is calling on Tim Walz to denounce Barack Obama's comments.

John McCain will be on Hardball tonight.

The New York Times says candidates are battling for Catholic votes.

2008 Race for Congress

Politico takes a look at the 3rd District.

Republican Erik Paulsen leads the money race in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.

Democrat El Tinklenberg also releases his fundraising numbers. He's running in the 6th.

The Star Tribune has a profile of Brian Davis, the GOP endorsed candidate in the 1st.

2008 RNC

A civic fest is planned for the RNC.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Condi Rice shoots down VP talk.