The Daily Digest: 4-14-09
The U.S. Senate race is now headed to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The three-judge panel overseeing the recount trial ruled that Democrat Al Franken got the most votes in 2008. Franken said Republican Norm Coleman should let him go to Washington. Coleman says he will appeal. He has ten days to file the appeal. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, AP, Forum Communications and MinnPost have stories.
You can read the ruling here.
Here's the audio from Franken's news conference.
One Supreme Court justice gave money to Coleman. Another gave to the late Sen. Wellstone. Coleman said Justice Chris Dietzen's contribution should not disqualify him from hearing the appeal.
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Gov. Pawlenty hedges a bit on when he'll issue the election certificate to the winner. For the first time he's suggested he has the right to interpret when the certificate should be issued. He has said in the past that he'll take his direction from the courts. Pawlenty made his comments on MPR's Midday program.
Under the Dome
State lawmakers return to the State Capitol today and will jump right in to examine and process their budget related bills. On Monday, House DFLers released their K12 proposal.
DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller will be on MPR's Midday this morning.
The Duluth News Tribune says the St. Louis County Board is set to OK a housing project on Lake Vermilion. It's the same site where Gov. Pawlenty wants to create a state park.
A report says the air quality around a dairy poses a health risk.
The Minnesota Dentists launch a PR offensive against DFL Sen. Anne Lynch.
There are some Tea Parties scheduled for Wednesday across the state to call for a repeal to the federal stimulus and to cut taxes.
Governor Pawlenty and other midwestern governors call for a transportation initiative.
D.C.
Minnesota National Guard members are preparing to deployed to Iraq. Godspeed.
Roll Call (subscription required) reports that DFL Rep. Betty McCollum may have inadvertently received a property tax break intended for Washington D.C. residents. She may owe back taxes. McCollum's Chief of Staff tells the Star Tribune that the mistake was not hers but filed a correction.
GOP Rep. John Kline made a secret trip to Afghanistan. He gave a sober assessment of the war in Afghanistan to the Star Tribune.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar will travel to Waco, Texas.
President Obama eases travel and money transfers to Cuba.
2010
DFL Sen. John Marty makes another run for governor. The Star Tribune, AP, the Pi Press and MPR have stories. You can listen to his news conference and formal announcement here.
Finally
Good-bye Harry Kalas.