The Daily Digest: 5-9-08
Gov. Pawlenty is at the Governor's Fishing Opener so it's unlikely that anything will happen regarding budget negotiations until Sunday. The Pi Press has a budget update.
Pawlenty said he's reviewing his options if a deal isn't made. He mentioned special and unallotment.
DFL Rep. Alice Hausman will announce a proposal to get the Central Corridor running. Meanwhile the U of M and the Met Council exchange blows over the choo-choo. The Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.
The House worked late into the night. The Star Tribune said they ok'd a higher minimum wage and a higher drop out age.
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The Education Bill also includes hockey language. Forum Communications, MPR and AP have stories.
AP has a separate story on the minimum wage.
House sends the transportation policy bill back to conference committee after concerns were raised about the primary seatbelt requirement. MPR and AP have stories.
Longer bar hours for the RNC has been approved.
An emissions progress report is on its way to the Governor.
A measure gives spending oversight to citizens regarding money generated by a proposed constitutional amendment for the outdoors.
The state will study the impact of lake home rentals on resort industry.
Forum Communications says 8,000 bills were introduced this session.
KARE says the debate over medical marijuana heats up over the latest ad.
R.T. Rybak said he was surprised to learn that his driver's license suspended.
Congress
The Farm Bill is heading for a vote and a veto. The Star Tribune, Forum Communications, AP and MPR have stories.
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman signs on to a Great Lakes Legacy Act.
Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar sign a letter opposing efforts to waive the renewable fuels standard.
Minnesota Monitor says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann claimed credit for an earmark she voted against.
County officials urge lawmakers to back waste to energy projects.
The Club For Growth releases their 2007 legislative scorecard.
2008 Race for President
Politico says Obamamania has swept the Capitol. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
Hillary Clinton makes a campaign stop in Sioux Falls. She vowed to stay in the race.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will also speak in Montana this weekend. The Billings Gazette says it's part of presidential campaigning.
2008 Race for Senate
Al Franken and Norm Coleman trade barbs over which one is flip-flopping.
USA Today said Coleman may have to rely on McCain's independent streak.
2008 Race for Congress
RealClearPolitics said the House GOP has shifted into panic mode. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
The Fix says Pawlenty is the likely VP choice:
1.Tim Pawlenty: So Tpaw and McCain had something of a disagreement over the cause of last year's bridge collapse in Minnesota. The Minnesota governor remains the candidate in the Republican vice presidential field who fits best with what McCain wants and needs in a VP. Pawlenty has been elected twice in a Democratic-leaning state that is almost certain to be a battleground in the fall. He is liked and respected by both conservatives and moderates and gets rave reviews for his political instincts. He has also known McCain for nearly three decades and has been a supporter since the early days of the contest.
RNC Convention
Free bike use during the RNC.