The Daily Digest: 4-29-08
Democrat Al Franken says he will pay $70,000 in back taxes to 17 states. Republican talking points say "It's troubling." Democratic talking points say "Franken paid all of his taxes but not to the right place."
Is Franken a dead man walking? Will another Democrat (paging Mike Ciresi) get in the race? How much does this help Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer at the DFL endorsing convention? Franken's campaign is calling delegates to explain the mishap.
MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, WCCO and AP have stories.
AP also says Franken is worth between $4.3 million and $9.9 million.
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Meanwhile, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman is criticized for weighing in on the Franken tax flap.
All of this is occurring and the DSCC blog chronicles a dinner with the Frankens.
Legislature and State Government
MPR says the U of M will make its case for an alternate light rail route for the Central Corridor.
Lawmakers will be taking a hard line with NWA/Delta. A Senate committee holds a similar hearing today. MPR and AP have stories. Meanwhile, NWA's CEO will get $18.3 million in parting gifts.
Every legislative leader signs on to subsidies for the Mall of America. MPR, the Star Tribune, Forum Communications and AP have stories.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services says African American children are six times more likely to enter the child protection system. MPR has the story.
The vehicle emissions bill moves through another House Committee. The Pi Press and Finance and Commerce have stories.
A medical marijuana group plans an ad campaign. The Star Tribune and KARE have stories. KTTC writes about the dispute.
Minnesota is on track for a 39% increase in home foreclosures.
DFL Sen. Mary Olson says the state needs to become more involved in prosecuting mortgage fraud.
A new bill would observe the Korean War.
Governor Pawlenty signed the simulcast bill for horse racing.
Congress
President Bush rebukes Congress for the nation's economic problems. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar points out that he's been the head of state for eight years.
The L.A. Times says the economy is putting pressure on politicians like GOP Sen. Norm Coleman.
Senators, like Coleman and Klobuchar, are urging Guatamala's president to allow completion of adoptions in progress
Klobuchar will hold a forum at St. Olaf on global warming.
Coleman wants cheaper passcards for border crossing.
Coleman will appear at the St. Cloud Chamber on Friday.
President Bush says the Farm Bill won't help with rising food prices. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson.
Politico says Bush is trying to play the class card on the Farm Bill. Peterson is mentioned.
The Hill says Senate Democrats have spared Federal Express, for the time being, from a labor-backed provision that would give a big boost to its rival, the United Parcel Service. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
2008 Race for President
The Hill says John McCain will likely vote against the Farm Bill. Coleman downplayed the opposition.
McCain offers a market based health care plan. A U of M professor helped McCain with the plan.
Barack Obama denounces his former pastor.
Charlie Cook says Hillary Clinton's chances of winning the Democratic nomination are worse than ever.
Clinton is calling for a gas tax holiday.
AP says Democratic distrust is growing.
2008 Race for Congress
3rd District Democrat Ashwin Madia appeared on KSTP's At Issue.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
MinnPost and Minnesota Monitor ask "What if Carol Molnau became Governor?" One DFL activist joked with me that they could run ads suggesting a vote for Pawlenty as VP means you get Molnau for governor.
2008 RNC
Politico says navigating conventions is big business.