The Daily Digest: 5-7-08
The Minnesota House is in session at 11 AM. The Senate is in session at 3 PM. The Senate Potluck is also scheduled for today.
Gov. Pawlenty will attend the Declaration of Independence celebration at the Minnesota History Center and will also attend an event to mark Israel's 60th anniversary.
He was in Kansas to talk energy with other governors.
Wal-Mart also announced at the event that Minnesota's Capitol will get an energy audit.
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The governor also told reporters in Kansas that he had trouble talking as a result of a hockey injury.
The transportation policy bill survives a misunderstanding and is now headed for floor votes. The Star Tribune, Forum Communications, the Pi Press and AP have stories. KARE says DFL Sen. Steve Murphy has some fighting words for Pawlenty's spokesman.
The Political Animal gives us a budget update as budget talks continue. Here's the question, are they moving centimeters, feet or yards?
Some lanes on the Duluth/Superior bridge will be closed to fix gusset plates. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, AP and the Duluth News Tribune have stories.
Committees in the Minnesota House and Senate approve raising the drop out age.
The Legislature sends Gov. Pawlenty a new school report card plan.
Two constitutional amendment proposals are moving through the Legislature that would deal with (drum roll please) the Legislature.
A Judge hears arguments on the smoking ban case. The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.
E20 survives compatibility and performance tests.
The high court will decide on criminal records expungement.
Gov. Pawlenty encourages the hiring of Minnesota's veterans.
MinnPost says forest materials have found a market.
MPR's Midmorning talks property taxes at 9 AM.
Congress
The Consumer Federation of America is said to support the Delta/NWA deal. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.
President Bush appoints a Minnesota Democrat to the Federal Election Commission. She served as Klobuchar's policy director.
Russia, US sign a civil energy pact. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman does not like the proposal and is urging President Bush to not send the agreement to Congress.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz wants any new reconstruction in Iraq to be made in the form of loans.
Congressional members accuse the VA of criminal negligence. The agency has not been forthcoming with requests by Walz.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison visits Egypt.
Reuters says Farm Law writers want tighter subsidy limits. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Reuters also said a Farm Bill veto does not mean the end.
The Farm Bill also slashed international food aid.
Ethanol producers take heavy criticism from Congress.
Farmers are also bracing for their own economic bubble to burst.
Tour boats will come back to Voyageurs National Park. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
The House will vote on a foreclosure rescue package.
2008 Race for President
Barack Obama wins walking away in North Carolina. Hillary Clinton narrowly wins Indiana. The New York Times says Clinton's options are dwindling. AP reports she loaned her campaign more money.
John McCain promises more judges like McCain and Alito.
Nearly a quarter of primary goers voted against McCain.
2008 Race for Senate
Al Franken is raising money in NYC today.
Update: WCCO says Dean Barkley may be getting in the race.
2008 Race for Congress
The Rothenberg Political Report releases the 2008 House ratings. Minnesota's 3rd is a toss-up, the 1st leans Democratic, and the 6th has the Republican favored.
MNBlue interviews 2nd District DFL candidate Steve Sarvi.
Politico says GOP leaders warn of disaster and worry that it could be "every man for himself."
Pawlenty for VP Watch
John McCain is headed to South Carolina and will appear at a fundraiser with South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford.
But the Southern Political Report says Sanford brings nothing to the ticket.
2008 RNC
The Star Tribune says anti-war groups sharpen their message for the GOP convention.
MPR says the RNC won't be good for every business.