The Daily Digest: 7-15-08
Today is the last day for candidates to file for office.
We now know (we think) that former Gov. Jesse Ventura will not run. The Star Tribune, MPR, AP, Forum Communications and the Pi Press have stories.
But Dean Barkley (who Ventura appointed to the Senate after Paul Wellstone died) says he'll file. KSTP has the story. You can listen to Barkley's interview with MPR here.
Democrat Al Franken gets a DFL challenger. It's Priscilla Lord Faris. The Star Tribune and AP have stories.
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GOP Sen. Norm Coleman files for reelection.
Franken is up 2% over Coleman in the latest Rasmussen poll but Coleman has a 13% lead in the latest Survey USA poll.
The Star Tribune picks up on the ad campaign against Franken that deals with union organizing.
2008 Race for President
Democrat Barack Obama is up 18% over McCain in the latest Rasmussen Poll of Minnesota voters.
2008 Race for Congress
The money race in the 3rd Congressional District is close between Republican Erik Paulsen and DFLer Ashwin Madia.
2008 Race for Legislature
Gov. Pawlenty called special elections for two state senate seats.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Pawlenty defends his hair/mullet.
MSNBC has a profile of Pawlenty and it details his close win over Democrat Mike Hatch.
He also tells the Wall Street Journal what he's told Minnesota reporters - he's not being vetted.
State Government
Gov. Pawlenty will name a new judge in Winona County today.
The new NGA Chair says infrastructure will be a priority.
Congress
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar calls for Medicare reform.
The U.S. is tardy in securing radioactive material. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.
2008 RNC
Organizers raised $39 million for the convention and met the volunteer goal.
Bob Dylan may have convinced his son to not perform in the Twin Cities during the week of the RNC.