The Daily Digest

The latest KSTP-TV/Survey USA poll shows Democrat Mark Dayton leading Republican Tom Emmer by five percentage points. Dayton received 42 percent support from those polled. Emmer received 37 percent support. IP candidate Tom Horner received 14 percent support. Seven percent of those polled say they're undecided. The margin of error is +/-3.7%.

Dayton slightly increased his lead from the Survey USA poll taken in September showed Dayton leading Emmer by two percentage points.

Dayton, Emmer and Horner will debate the issues at the U of M this afternoon.

MPR says the three candidates will spar 25 times before Election Day.

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Horner is also scheduled to hold a news conference today to address conservation issues.

Dayton will talk with city leaders.

The Minnesota Hospital Association PAC is backing Horner. The PAC usually stays on the sidelines in the gubernatorial race. Horner represented some Twin Cities hospitals during his time at Himle/Horner.

Horner also released a poll saying he was in third place but has "a path to victory."

Gov. Pawlenty says he intends to campaign for Emmer in late October. He also hints that he'll cut a TV ad for him.

PIM takes a look at what the candidates for governor are spending on ad time in the Twin Cities market.

Two Minnesota pastors plan to endorse from the pulpit.

Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann scheduled then moved then canceled a meeting with the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce.

The Star Tribune takes a look at the battle within the 8th Congressional District.

Republican Chip Cravaack released a new ad criticizing DFL Rep. Jim Obertar.

Oberstar and DFL Sen. Al Franken will hold a news conference today on the steps of the Lake County Courthouse.

2010 Other

A group is offering rewards for voter fraud convictions.

Under the Dome

Lawmakers will meet Monday for a special session for flood and tornado relief. It's unlikely the Legislature will act on anti-bullying legislation. One side note - the federal government did not approve individual assistance for the flooding. Gov. Pawlenty applied for similar funds through the Small Business Administration.

The state has opened flood relief recovery centers.

Gov. Pawlenty appointed Matthew Johnson to be the new chief judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

The Minneapolis Vets Home has turned a corner.

MnSCU plans to cut $4.2 million from its own budget.

Congress

The Justice Department has appealed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" injunction.

The Pentagon says it will comply with a judge's direction regarding "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The Health Reform law forces a small town hospital to look for a partner.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison intends to lead the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Pawlenty for Prez Watch

Gov. Pawlenty will be in NYC today to attend an RGA fundraiser. He's in New Hampshire tomorrow. He also hopes to attend Monday's Romney fundraiser for Emmer and the MNGOP. Pawlenty said "Mitt and I are friends."

Pawlenty's fundraising for his federal PAC tops $3 million.

He's sitting on $667,000 when you combine the federal PAC with funds from his PACs in New Hampshire and Iowa. He suggested he intends to spend the money before Election Day.