The Daily Digest
Minnesota is, in fact, a red state. It's deep in red ink. The state budget forecast says the state is facing a $1.2 billion budget deficit this session and a $5.4 billion deficit in the next two-year budget. MPR, the Star Tribune, KARE, the Pi Press and AP have stories.
The prospects for another round of cuts through unallotment are a big concern for city officials. MPR and Forum Communications have stories.
Democrats in the Legislature say they want to focus on jobs.
Here's a look at the history of MN budget forecasts since 2001.
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I took video of the opening statements of Gov. Pawlenty and House and Senate DFLers.
Senate DFLers want a new DEED Commissioner.
Despite budget problems, the push for a new Vikings stadium continues. A rally is scheduled at the Capitol today.
Two Minnesota gang databases draw fire.
Congress
Skeptical Democrats resign themselves to President Obama's war plan.
Obama holds a jobs summit today.
Senators place a hold on Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke's nomination. He testifies before Congress today.
Republicans say Democrat Al Franken is playing politics with his amendment that is designed to protect rape victims.
I forgot to post this one yesterday. Politico says Franken won't talk with reporters in the Capitol hall. All questions get referred to his press person.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including DFL Rep. Keith Ellison, tell Obama that he's done too little for African Americans.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says he reached a deal with Democrat Barney Frank on a bill to impose federal regulation for the first time on the over-the-counter derivatives market.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar outlines his $100 billion transportation plan.
2010 Race for Governor
Stu Rothenberg says Minnesota is a toss-up.
Democrats Mark Dayton, Matt Entenza and Paul Thissen will speak before the RenewMN folks tonight.
Politico says Republican Norm Coleman's reemergence is drawing buzz.
DFLer R.T. Rybak visits with liberal/progressive bloggers tonight.
Democrat Matt Entenza talked economy and the environment in Frazee.
Discover Politics talks with Democrat John Marty.
2010 Race for Congress
A third Republican, Jim Hagedorn, joins the race in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. MPR, AP and the Rochester Post-Bulletin have stories.
You can listen to an interview with Hagedorn here.
A Blue Stem Prairie, which supports DFL Rep. Tim Walz, says Hagedorn scrubbed some of the more "questionable" posts from his blog. Update: I'm told that the Minnesota Independent broke the story first. I apologize for the error.
The MNGOP runs an ad ripping DFL Rep. Tim Walz for his health care vote.
Democrat Maureen Reed now says she won't abide by the DFL endorsement. CQ and MinnPost have stories. Side note, an official with SEIU says Reed did, in fact, screen with them as a part of a much larger screening process with several unions. Update: Reed's campaign takes issue with those comments.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is backing Tarryl Clark in the 6th.
Pawlenty for Prez Watch
Pawlenty is out of the state today in Michigan (prayer breakfast) and Chicago (PAC fundraiser).
Things got a bit tense during Pawlenty's news conference when he was challenged on his out of state travel and his political aspirations.
The Mall of America apologized to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for releasing internal notes and communications to a reporter.
2010 Other
Tom Conlon is the third Republican to join the race for State Auditor.