The Daily Digest: 3-12-09
Republican Norm Coleman had a bad day yesterday. His DFL rival picked up 14 votes in the Senate recount trial, his hopes are down to 1360 ballots and his contributor list becomes public (with private information included). Coleman is urging his contributors to cancel their credit cards after the breach. The Secret Service is also investigating the issue.
AP, MPR, the Pi Press, Politico and the Star Tribune have stories.
All of this leads to a big question - Both campaigns are spending thousands of dollars a day on attorney's fees. Does the date breach turn off the fundraising spigot for Coleman?
The winter weather prevented Franken's team from resting their case in the trial.
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Under the Dome
The chief backer of the Secretary of State's election bills is not happy with election reform and pulled his name on the bill. He said he's concerned about unfunded mandates on counties.
Local elected officials want greater control, fewer orders from the state.
A committee approved a bill that would provide a three-year exemption for students who don't pass high school tests. The bill says they would still receive their diplomas.
A bill that requires sick time for all workers clears a committee.
A MAC proposal to reclassify metro airports sets off a debate.
Gov. Pawlenty signs a bill that extends the moratorium on radiation therapy facilities.
State LGA cuts spur talk of city partnerships.
A Senate committee approves a bill that would allow dental therapists to drill and extract.
Legislators push for domestic-partner benefits for state employees.
The Minnesota Department of Health is sued over blood storage.
A bill that would ban research on the mentally ill is approved in committee.
Cabin owners are seeking a tax break.
Rochester city employees are approached to help balance the budget.
D.C.
Somalis tell Congress that a Minneapolis Mosque is recruiting youth to fight in Somalia. AP, the Star Tribune and MPR have stories.
The deficit spiked.
President Obama issues his first signing statement.
The U.S. loosens restrictions regarding Cuba.
The Obama Administration will reinvent the Mexican truck plan. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
The FAA funding bill clears committee. Oberstar is mentioned.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar supports a plan that would provide retroactive pay for some members of the armed services.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's encouraged by attempts to reel in earmarks.
A Democratic leaning group runs a radio ad that takes GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen to task for his association with Rush Limbaugh.
Catholics rallied in support of Liberians. Klobuchar and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison are mentioned.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson supports a more intensive tracking system of livestock to prevent mad cow disease and other diseases.