The Daily Digest: 5-16-08

Budget talks continue today. Democrats met Gov. Pawlenty's property tax cap of 3.9% but Pawlenty's spokesman says that's only part of the budget talks and other things need to be worked out. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.

Tune into MPR's Midday today since the show is at the Capitol and will have the latest from legislative leaders, etc.

Legislative leaders don't appear nervous that a deal hasn't been reached yet.

A school insurance bill is headed to the governor.

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Former Gov. Jesse Ventura called the defacing of his portrait as "despicable."

A judge grants a temporary injunction against "Theater Nights." The Star Tribune, the Pi Press and MPR have stories.

A Senate Committee kills the California Car Emissions proposal. The Pi Press and MPR have stories.

Pawlenty vetoes the minimum wage bill. AP, Forum Communications and the Star Tribune have stories.

Pawlenty signed a bill into law that would make it harder to get addictive prescription medicine online and another bill that extends bar hours during the RNC.

The House defeated the primary seat belt proposal. Today they'll try with just teen driving restrictions.

Congress

Congress passes the Farm Bill. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar both vote for the bill. MPR, The Hill and Forum Communications have stories.

Reuters says the Farm Bill sets a ceiling limit on income for subsidies.

It includes funding for sugar growers.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman said Congress will override the veto.

Coleman is also working to save post offices.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann blogs about the need to provide school choice for foster kids.

The Wall Street Journal says airlines are trying to determine whether to merge. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

2008 Race for President

The Washington Post writes about former John Edwards supporters who are now supporting Barack Obama. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Salon wonders how Obama will get to 270 electoral college votes. The website said Minnesota is not Walter Mondale's Minnesota anymore.

A John McCain advisor leaves the campaign because of his ties to 527 groups.

2008 Race for Senate

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura says he's serious about a possible run.

He also signs books and campaigns at the MOA.

The Fix moves Minnesota's Senate ranking down a notch because of Democrat Al Franken's tax troubles.

Franken hires a new campaign chair. AP, the Pi Press, MinnPost and the Star Tribune have stories.

2008 Race for Congress

The Mankato Free Press writes about the issues facing the 1st District.

The head of the DCCC will campaign with 3rd District DFL candidate Ashwin Madia today.

Madia also liveblogs with MNCampaign Report.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Gov. Pawlenty is scheduled to speak before the Wisconsin State Party Convention tonight. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Wausau Daily Herald have stories.

Pawlenty makes the Final 4 in CQ's VP Madness.

Here are a few crazy VP picks.

2008 RNC

A hearing on the protest route will probably be delayed. The Pi Press and MPR have stories.