The Daily Digest: 2-23-09
Gov. Pawlenty's political aspirations lead the digest today. Pawlenty wouldn't rule out a run for president when asked on Fox News Sunday (transcript here). He sidestepped a follow up on the possibility saying he may run for a third term as governor. He told Pajamas Media "he's thinking about" a possible presidential run.
Asked about his own presidential prospects, he eschewed the usual denial of any interest and said, "I'm going to take some time to think about it." He then quickly added that he was focused on his state's immediate budget needs."
The story also said he will campaign for GOP gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia this year.
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Pawlenty also told the AP that President Obama failed at being bipartisan.
He also told The Hill that the GOP should be shaped in a more conservative fashion rather than in a centrist fashion.
Under the Dome
A Minnesota bill that aims to reduce foreclosures gets the first hearing this week.
An audit of Minnesota prison industries was released today. It calls for increased oversight over business practices.
A proposed deal would preserve 187,000 acres of wetland and forest. A news conference is scheduled to announce the plan this afternoon.
The Star Tribune examines the impact Gov. Pawlenty's budget will have on the courts.
White Bear Lake residents wrestle with budget cuts.
The Pi Press says Pawlenty is planning to eliminate an Environmental Quality Board and moving duties the MPCA.
People pack a legislative hearing in Worthington.
The Star Tribune takes a look at the scramble for stimulus money.
Even with funding from the stimulus bill, schools are making cuts.
MACCRAY delivers an upbeat report card on the 4-day school week.
Gov. Pawlenty urges Madoff investors to file claims.
An uptick in homes sales may be a good sign in Minnesota.
The Swamp
President Obama says he'll cut the federal deficit in half.
An investigator will oversee the stimulus funding.
President Obama says the tax cuts will be felt by April first.
There's also some talk about nationalizing a few banks.
Democrats are resisting Obama's plans on Social Security.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says food safety should be shifted to the USDA.
He will also hold food safety hearings.
Peterson also says it could take some time to get a VA Home in Bemidji.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar backs a marine highway.
2008 U.S. Senate Race
The Star Tribune says the recent rulings have diminished Republican Norm Coleman's recount chances.
Democrat Al Franken tells Air America that "We will win soon."
Franken's campaign attorneys suggest a review of about 1,500 ballots.
Coleman wants to preserve information from the absentee ballots.
The RNC is sending $250k to help Coleman's legal efforts.
Pawlenty tells the National Review that "Coleman has a good chance to have the recount ruling overturned in the courts."
Coleman's deputy press secretary is taking a job with GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen.
A professor watching the trial says it's lost on observers.