The Daily Digest: 5-5-08
Happy Cinco de Mayo.
Gov. Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders are expected to meet again to discuss the budget. They met privately for several hours on both Saturday and Sunday and didn't reach a deal. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune and Forum Communications have stories.
No late talks tonight since Gov. Pawlenty will reportedly be in Michigan. UPDATE -- I found the confirmation on the Michigan Republican Party blog.
Update: Trisha Hamm, with the governor's campaign, just sent a note saying the governor has canceled his trip to Michigan so he can continue to work on budget negotiations.
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He's headed to Kansas tomorrow.
Outdoors issues may hinge on a budget deal.
The House takes up the Tax Bill today. It includes a property tax plan that is different from the Senate and Gov. Pawlenty. The Pi Press wonders how they agree when they're proposing dramatically different plans.
Revenue Commissioner Ward Einess writes an op-ed ripping the House DFL tax plan.
Delta's President will appear before two legislative committees today to discuss the Delta/NWA deal. The Pi Press says state angst is growing over the deal.
The Star Tribune says taxpayers paid for game wardens to meet.
The Star Tribune writes about the possibility of raising the drop-out age to 18.
MPR says sex education is all over the map in Minnesota.
The I-35W bridge may open three months early.
Stiffer teen driving rules in Wisconsin reduced teen driving deaths.
Forum Communications says Nursing homes face a crisis.
Minnesota's Supreme Court will hear the UnitedHealth case.
Pawlenty catches one in the throat.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is fighting for his future.
Congress
Congress is still struggling to finish the Farm Bill.
The Wall Street Journal says negotiations are stuck on sugar support. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
The meapacker ban is rejected.
Congress will address toy safety. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and GOP Sen. Norm Coleman are mentioned.
Klobuchar was also looking for hope in the latest job numbers.
Klobuchar also attended a fish fry in South Carolina.
Coleman is backing the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act and some don't like the idea.
Disabled veterans are getting some relief. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.
Walz also spoke about the economy.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison holds a hearing on the issues facing the Horn of Africa.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar rips a gas tax holiday proposal.
2008 Race for President
MPR interviews some African American church goers about the Rev. Wright flap.
2008 Race for Senate
A new KSTP/Survey USA poll says voters aren't happy with Democrat Al Franken's tax troubles. More than half say he should drop out of the race. Here's the poll on Franken's tax troubles. Here's the poll showing Coleman with a double digit lead over Franken.
The Star Tribune says the DFL wants a winner but wonders who it will be. The delegates quoted in the story don't seem to worried about Franken's tax troubles.
MinnPost says Democrat Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer is still working to win delegates.
AP profiles conservative blogger Michael Brodkorb.
2008 Race for Congress
Steve Sarvi wins the DFL endorsement in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. He'll square off against GOP Rep. John Kline. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune, the Rochester Post-Bulletin and AP have stories.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar officially announces that he's seeking an 18th term.
2008 Race for Legislature
Former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer won the GOP endorsement over GOP Rep. Mark Olson. The St. Cloud Times reports that the GOP blocks audio and recording devices at another convention.
2008 RNC
AP says Bloomington expects some protesters in that city.