The Daily Digest

Gov. Pawlenty revealed on Monday that the check he delivered to the Alabama Republican Party was from Texas homebuilder and prominent GOP donor Bob Perry. Perry financed the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads against Democrat John Kerry and helped bankroll a group that helped get Pawlenty reelected in 2006. MPR, Star Tribune and the AP have stories.

The Star Tribune reports that Pawlenty's PAC spending goes to help Pawlenty's PAC.

Several of Pawlenty's possible 2012 challengers are doling out much more to candidates through their PACs.

Under the Dome

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Gov. Pawlenty filed his brief in the unallotment case. The House GOP also filed a brief. So did some law school professors.

Pawlenty also wants to get tougher on sex crimes.

The Minnesota Senate passed a $1 billion public works bill. Gov. Pawlenty says it's veto bait.

The MNGOP rips the Senate for passing the bonding bill and some Senate Republicans get caught in the crossfire.

The party also attempted a new tactic to lobby senators - patch through phone calls directly to the desks of Senators.

As school districts fear more cuts to schools, school groups are preparing for a fight.

The bill that moves the primary election to August is headed to the House floor.

The Legislative Auditor says MnSCU should consider organizational changes to improve the efficiency and performance of its central office.

Pawlenty won't propose a Vikings stadium plan.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman calls MPR's lawsuit against the Met Council "outrageous."

Congress

President Obama calls on the Senate to stop blocking his nominees.

He also says both sides have to give on health care.

Obama's plan to cut farm subsidies is likely dead.

Full body scanners appear headed to MSP. DFL Sen. Al Franken is mentioned.

Franken is also mentioned in this story that says the Senate will thwart a nominee to the National Labor Relations Board.

GOP Rep. John Kline scheduled a town hall meeting for February 19th in Faribault.

The Minnesota Daily reports on how to provide health care coverage for illegal immigrants. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned.

Like a good Minnesotan, DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar defied the snow to hold a committee hearing on the Asian Carp.

Here's a look at Minnesota's Race to the Top plan and how it relates to the federal plans.

2010 Race for Governor

DFLer Margaret Anderson Kelliher defends herself in a letter to the Winona Daily News. She suggests the paper's "editorial board has questioned my integrity as a state leader and as a candidate for governor."

The race for delegates begins.

Finally

A group of small business owners financed a billboard featuring George W. Bush and the words "Miss me yet?"