The Daily Digest: 4-25-08
Two committees in the Minnesota House will have Northwest Airlines on the agenda today. The Tax Committee will consider a subsidy to convince Delta to move the headquarters to Minnesota. The House Commerce Committee will discuss the state loan and subsidies to NWA.
Delta and NWA executives told Congress on Thursday that a merger would cut 1,000 headquarter jobs. But NWA's CEO says it would bolster the Twin Cities hub.
CNN says Congress is mostly receptive to the merger but DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is worried that more mergers will follow.
The Hill says the CEOs at the two companies were grilled but the execs try to reassure on the merger.
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The House Anti-Trust Task Force says go slow on the merger.
Legislature and State Government
MPR reports that Gov. Pawlenty says the U of M's concerns about Central Corridor played a factor into his decision into vetoing the project from bonding bill.
Gov. Pawlenty also got a bit more specific about budget cuts. He wants to target health care.
The food v. fuel debate fell occurred during the Ag Policy bill debate in the Minnesota House.
The Ag bill also allows animal chiropractors. Forum Communications and MPR have stories.
MinnPost says there's also a concern over CRP.
The Iron Range cancer study is headed to Governor Pawlenty. MPR, the Pi Press, Forum Communications and AP have stories.
The Minnesota House passed tougher rules for teen drivers. The Star Tribune, MPR, AP and the Pi Press have stories.
Rural Minnesota businesses see a hike in property taxes.
Scientists are calling on Gov. Pawlenty to oppose a coal burning power plant. The Star Tribune, Forum Communications and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader have stories.
The state forbids a raffle for the chance at a $1.4 million home.
Solo the bear died in hibernation.
Congress
Congress extended the Farm Bill another week.
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman says the outlook is good for a new Farm Bill.
Contractors will be required to disclose tax debt. Coleman is mentioned. AP and the Washington Times have stories.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz and other lawmakers don't want to cut Medicare-financed nursing homes
Congress debates abstinence. DFL Rep. Betty McCollum is mentioned.
Lawmakers approve a nutrition aid boost. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Congress considers restoring protection to nation's streams and wetlands. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
The House approves a bill requiring ballast water treatment. Oberstar is mentioned.
Private Great Lakes boaters may need to get EPA discharge permits. Oberstar is mentioned.
2008 Race for President
The Hill says John Edwards supporters are flocking to Barack Obama.
2008 Race for U.S. Senate
Financial issues continue to plague Al Franken.
The Star Tribune picks up on the Rasmussen Poll showing Coleman leading over Franken.
A variety of U.S. Jewish groups could play a role in the race.
Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer will speak at the 1st District DFL Convention on Saturday.
2008 Race for Congress
DFLers endorses a candidate in Minnesota's 6th District on Saturday. AP, MPR and the Pi Press have stories. DFL Rep. Tim Walz and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison are also slated to be endorsed on Saturday.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Pawlenty raised money in Washington DC furthering speculation on his VP chances.
The governor said his wife was misquoted in a blog that wrote about the fundraiser.
The Sun Sentinel says McCain's selection is critical.
McCain campaigned with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal yesterday but McCain says it probably won't be Jindal.
Former TN Senator (and presidential candidate) Fred Thompson says he isn't interested in the job.
2008 RNC
The Daily Show is coming to St. Paul for the convention.