The Daily Digest: 6:27:08
The National Journal examines the relationship between GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and GOP operative Jeff Larson. The AP and the Pi Press follow the story. In a briefing with reporters this morning, Coleman said Larson has been a friend for a long time and he is renting a Washington DC room from Larson to save money. He said he never talked to Larson about senate business. He also stressed that Larson is not a lobbyist.
Coleman also advocated for increased oil drilling on the outer continental shelf and said he'd be open to considering drilling in the Great Lakes if there were reserves there:
"I'd take a look at it. I'm not saying I'd do it or not do it. I certainly say you take a look at everything and then you make a judgment on whether or not that makes sense. My sense would be the work (exploration) has been done..."
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UPDATE: Coleman's spokesman Leroy Coleman just called with this statement:
"Senator Coleman just wants to know where our domestic resources are but he is unequivically opposed to drilling in the Great Lakes."
UPDATE: Here's a story saying there is a law that outlaws drilling in the Great Lakes. Canada, however, does allow it.
Coleman also said that he would not support drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.
Here's the Senate question of the day: Do the Quinnipiac poll results (nearly 1 in 5 Democrats are supporting Coleman) and a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Millionaire's amendment prompt Mike Ciresi to get back into the race?
Race for President
MPR and AP have reaction to the Quinnipiac poll results that show Barack Obama with a wide lead in the presidential race and Norm Coleman with a double digit lead in the Senate race.
Obama's campaign manager says Minnesota looks strong for them.
Obama and Hillary Clinton make a joint appearance today in New Hampshire.
John McCain promises to conservatives that he'll do more to promote his conservative record.
Newsweek says McCain is also selling his energy plan and his experience.
Democrats in Congress, like DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar, launch some criticism of McCain's policies.
The AFL-CIO starts a $53 million effort to promote Obama.
2008 Race for Legislature
GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert voices Republican positions during a fundraiser in Bemidji.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Pawlenty is headed to Connecticut and Iowa this weekend.
He also appeared on Mitch Albom's show in Michigan.
CBS News says Pawlenty is the #1 candidate for VP.
Cato Institute's blog sticks by its criticism of Pawlenty.
The Americans for Tax Reform's Grover Norquist gives Pawlenty some praise with a caveat.
The New York Times says McCain's praise of possible running mates is familiar.
State Government
The AP says the U.S. Supreme Court gun ruling will have little impact on Minnesota's new gun laws.
Rural non-profits say they are struggling in this economy.
Minnesota and Wisconsin will reimburse Winona for ferry costs.
Congress
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and GOP Sen. Norm Coleman call on the U.S. to press Thailand on Hmong refugees.
Coleman praises the U.S. Supreme Court gun decision.
Coleman and Klobuchar vote for the war funding bill.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz talks civil liberties in Mankato.
Transgenders talk about job discrimination at a Congressional hearing. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison blogs about the first round of questioning of John Yoo and David Addington. Here's an AP story on the hearings.
Ellison also addresses the Association of Physicians of Pakistani-descent of North America.
The House votes to curb energy market speculators. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
2008 RNC
The Guthrie Theater is going California.
Some bar owners say they won't pay the $2500 fee to stay open until 4AM during the RNC.