The Daily Digest: 5-2-08
The race for president and the Minneapolis bridge lead the digest today. John McCain's comments on Wednesday that earmarks are the reason the bridge collapsed created bipartisan criticism.
Plenty of attention was paid to Gov. Pawlenty, who was critical of those who used the bridge for political purposes in the past. Pawlenty walked a little softer on his criticism of McCain. He co-chairs McCain's presidential committee and is mentioned as a possible running mate. The Star Tribune, KARE, MPR and the Pi Press have stories.
Oberstar rips McCain as well.
By the end of the day, McCain backed off his comments.
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McCain also says he doesn't like farm subsidies during a campaign stop in Iowa.
Legislature and State Government
AP says a deal has been reached late last night on a fund to help bridge victims. A morning news conference is scheduled.
A court hearing is scheduled today on the per diem increases.
The House approves the minimum wage hike but Governor Pawlenty has objections. AP, the Star Tribune, Forum Communications and MPR have stories.
About 500 march for immigrant rights. The Star Tribune, AP, MPR and KARE have stories.
The Minnesota Supreme Court takes a pass on conceal and carry in churches. The Star Tribune and MPR have stories.
Pawlenty says the sex education proposal is unacceptable.
The Legislature oks criminal background checks for coaches. Governor Pawlenty says he supports it. The Star Tribune, AP and Forum Communications have stories.
KARE says smoking "theater nights" are headed to court.
The MPCA warns of more pollution alerts this year.
Sand bottom pools could be spared in pool safety legislation.
Congress
A group of lawmakers from Minnesota and Wisconsin want same day voter registration.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar warns about cutting subsidies for ethanol.
Klobuchar will be in South Carolina tonight to speak at the Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson dinner.
Emergency pork buys are approved. Klobuchar is mentioned. DFL Rep, Tim Walz and GOP Sen. Norm Coleman also praised the decision.
Walz says the Farm Bill vote could come next week.
Coleman says he'll fight a veto of the Farm Bill.
The White House says the Farm Bill needs "real reforms." DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
An Al Jazeera cameraman is freed from Guantanamo Bay after six years. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.
The St. Cloud Times picks up on the student loan act vote in the House. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is mentioned.
2008 Race for U.S. Senate
MPR quotes several accountants who say Franken's tax problems should have been caught.
2008 Race for Congress
DFLers endorse a candidate this weekend in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Steve Sarvi is expected to win the endorsement. Republican incumbent John Kline is running for reelection.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Gov. Pawlenty says it's "his intention" to serve out his full term.
2008 RNC
A 24 hour art party is on tap.