The Daily Digest
Gov.-elect Mark Dayton is expected to announce his Chief of Staff and other key members of the governor's office today.
On Thursday, Dayton met privately with Gov. Pawlenty to discuss the transition. The two then held a news conference to discuss the transition.
Here's video of the event.
Dayton asked Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel to stay on.
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Minnesota Hospital officials are pleased with Dayton's decision to enroll early in Medicaid.
Dayton also said enacting antipoverty legislation this year would be "very difficult."
AP says Dayton's inaugural plans are taking shape.
Ron Dicklich applied to be the IRR Commissioner.
2011 Session
The St. Paul City Attorney says she won't file charges against GOP Rep. Tom Hackbarth.
Hackbarth's future is uncertain as a result of the incident.
Republicans make the case that voters should present a photo id at the polls.
A Public Policy Polling poll supports a gambling option to help build a new Vikings Stadium.
Congress
House Democrats voted to not bring a tax bill to the floor for a vote. The deal would extend tax cuts. It's unclear if any major changes will need to happen to get the deal done.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison says House Democrats have to force a "crisis" to force the GOP on the issue.
MinnPost takes a look at where the delegation stands on the deal. DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he's inclined to support it.
The Senate blocks a bill to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
The EPA delays tougher rules on emissions.
President Obama is looking at ways to simplify the tax code.
A bill requiring tougher mine safety laws will die in the House. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.
GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen has been selected to be on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann wants to allow for exemptions to the current earmark ban for "pet" transportation projects.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson will remain the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.
GOP Rep.-elect Chip Cravaack and DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar are arguing over whether Oberstar should be more helpful with Cravaack's transition. Cravaack wants help with constituent service. Oberstar says he won't turn it over because of privacy issues.
Politico says Democrats are already looking at Cravaack's seat as a possible pickup in 2012.
Pawlenty for Prez Watch
AP says Gov. Pawlenty will spend two days each in Iowa and New Hampshire to sign his upcoming book. He will also make appearances on "The Daily Show" and "The View."
I'm told the first stop on the book tour will be on January 13th at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. He'll have a book signing in Woodbury on January 18th.
Pawlenty will also be signing his book at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson says he was a more conservative governor than Pawlenty. Johnson appears to be making a run for president as well.
The Fix makes the case for candidates to announce early. The problem for the candidates:
Since 1972, only two candidates -- George McGovern in 1972 and Al Gore in 2000 -- have both been the first candidate in and the last man standing in a presidential nominating fight. (That excludes races that feature a sitting president seeking reelection.)
Pawlenty has said he'll make his decision early next year.