The Daily Digest: 5-22-08

Gov. Pawlenty signed the pool safety bill this morning.

A vote on the proposed Central Corridor line is delayed a week as negotiators try to work with the U of M. The Star Tribune, the Pi Press and MPR have stories.

A report by the Legislature says funding concerns and lack of communication occurred at MnDOT before the bridge collapse. MPR, AP, WCCO, MinnPost, the Star Tribune, the New York Times and the Pi Press have stories.

Budget cuts could force the loss of 61 public defenders. The decision will be made in early June. Minnesota Lawyer, MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.

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The state cuts 15% to airports. That means no expansion in St. Cloud.

MNSCU's tuition goes up slightly.

A study claims Minnesota has average taxes.

Mike Wigley, the founder of the Taxpayers League, rips the budget deal.

Congress

The House overrides President Bush's veto of the Farm Bill but they need to revote because of a clerical error.

A majority of those polled in the latest Star Tribune poll don't like President Bush and think the country is headed on the wrong track.

GOP Sen. Norm Coleman will attend a Memorial Day event in Nisswa.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is one of several senators who say they want Teddy Kennedy back in the Senate soon.

A plan by the FCC to trim cell phone fees is ripped because it's a "Get out of court free" card. Klobuchar is mentioned.

CBS says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is targeted for her opposition to GI funding.

Fox9 says an investigation prompts a crackdown on alcohol and drug using truckers. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

USA Today says a proposed change to water laws riles some homeowners. Oberstar is mentioned.

DFL Chair Brian Melendez rips Republicans (surprise!) in this op-ed.

2008 Race for Senate

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura told CNN's Larry King that he's thinking about running for the U.S. Senate.

2008 Race for Congress

The Hill says House Minority Leader John Boehner's increased involvement in the NRCC means the organization may get involved in GOP primaries. Minnesota's 1st District is mentioned.

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Gov. Pawlenty talks about McCain and some of his VP qualifications on Fox and Friends.

Pawlenty said he was not invited to McCain's Sedona home this weekend but said he had to attend a wedding. Several other possible VP picks will head to John McCain's Sedona home this weekend. The campaign says the event is "social." An earlier New York Times report and Politico have stories.

Survey USA polls California about a McCain/Pawlenty ticket.

Barack Obama also starts his VP search.

2008 RNC

The RNC Chair says Minnesota will be in play in November.

Protest groups are protesting the protest plans. The Star Tribune and MPR have stories.

The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts announces a special exhibit aimed at convention goers.

Finally

There will not be a Digest on Friday or Monday. Have a nice Memorial Day weekend. Please take some time to remember those who served.