The Daily Digest: 8-4-08

It's going to be a busy week on the political front. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken will square off on Tuesday at Farmfest. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will hold a private fundraiser in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Gov. Pawlenty will speak at the National Press Club on Wednesday (he's in Oklahoma today for a troop sendoff).

2008 Race for Senate

The Pi Press wonders whether the risk of debating worth it.

Here's a story on the potential list of debates put forth by DebateMinnesota.

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Democrat Al Franken outlined his plan to help people facing foreclosure.

MinnPost details how Franken can still win the race.

2008 Race for Congress

Ashwin Madia is one of several veterans of the Iraq and Afghan wars who are now running for Congress. Madia is a DFLer running for Congress in Minnesota's 3rd District.

The Pi Press takes a look at GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's GOP challenger.

2008 Race for President

The Washington Post has a must read profile of John McCain.

The New Yorker says McCain is opting out of hard choices.

Barack Obama will unveil his energy plan today. He called for limited offshore drilling over the weekend.

Obama opts for three standard debates.

An Obama supporter says the VP pick is coming soon. Perhaps Evan Bayh today?

Pawlenty for VP Watch

Politico says McCain may want for Obama to pick first.

William Kristol calls Pawlenty a "Do no harm" choice.

Pawlenty ripped Obama during a trip to Iowa. AP and the Des Moines Register have stories.

The Houston Chronicle says the VP choice could be critical if the race is close.

Stu Rothenberg says Obama's choices for VP are far better than McCain's are. Pawlenty is mentioned.

Legislature and State Government

Lawmakers want to see if the school trust lands are being managed properly.

Congress

Poor oversight means millions of Medicare dollars are wasted. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is mentioned.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants answers on why the feds hired Sonia Pitt.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz said he wants a Tax Bill passed this year.

A bill that addresses lead standards passes the House. It was offered by DFL Rep. Keith Ellison.

Ellison addresses Muslim women in Washington D.C.

Congress passed the Clean Boating Act. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.

Oberstar also proposes an overhaul of the federal rail authority.

2008 RNC

Convention visitors can take a trip down political memory lane.

Will there be a prostitution boom at the RNC?

Thousands of demonstrators are expected at the RNC.

A GOP leader tells his candidates to avoid the convention.