The Daily Digest: 6-4-08
Barack Obama declared himself the Democratic nominee during a speech at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune and Forum Communications have stories.
MPR says Obama's challenge is to unite the party. He privately courted several key Clinton backers from Minnesota after his speech last night.
Former Vice President Walter Mondale says he's now supporting Obama. As is Superdelegate Rick Stafford. Both were backing Clinton.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says it's time to unite behind Obama.
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MPR says some Clinton supporters became Obama supporters. The Pi Press says some backers say this is more than an ordinary loss for them.
Long lines of patient Obama supporters wrapped around the Xcel Energy Center.
The Wall Street Journal says Republican John McCain reaches out to Clinton supporters.
McCain welcomed Obama with fresh criticism. McCain spoke from New Orleans. Gov. Pawlenty also criticized Barack Obama's experience at an afternoon news conference.
The Hill says both parties believe an Obama candidacy helps them. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
Some are now pondering changes to the primary system now that the nomination fight is over. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.
Governor Pawlenty (which includes Pawlenty for VP Watch)
Pawlenty is in Atlanta for the Republican Governors Association meetings.
Fox News says gamblers are betting on Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton as VP picks.
Reuters goes through the potential VP picks.
Real Clear Politics makes the case for Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for VP. Pawlenty is mentioned.
2008 Race for Senate
Democrat Mike Ciresi leaves the door open for a possible Senate run.
2008 Race for Congress
MinnPost says 3rd District GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen did not mention Iraq on his website.
Real Clear Politics highlights a poll showing a big lead for 1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz.
State Government
MnDOT closes a major Winona bridge because of gusset plates. AP, the Star Tribune and the Winona Daily News have stories.
The Legislative Auditor says there is no reason for a further probe of Attorney General Lori Swanson. The Auditor did, however, criticize the office's conduct. MPR, the Star Tribune and AP have stories. Here's the report.
The new Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court takes the oath of office. MPR, the Star Tribune and AP have stories.
The PUC weighs a decision on the Big Stone Power Plant. MPR and Forum Communications have stories.
The Minnesota DNR will convene a meeting on lead in venison.
Minnesota lawmakers weigh in on the recent legislative session in Rochester.
Congress
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar rips the oil companies during a hearing. The Hill and Bloomberg have stories. The Hill and Bloomberg have stories.
The FCC will hold a hearing on early termination fees for cell phones. Klobuchar is mentioned.