The Daily Digest (Senate to reject Anderson’s confirmation, Santorum in Luverne, Sunset Commission keeps lights on)

The partisanship in the Minnesota Senate is about to get a uglier today. That's because the Republican majority appear to be preparing to remove one of Gov. Dayton's appointments on a party line vote. Deputy Majority Leader Julianne Ortman said the Senate will likely reject PUC Chair Ellen Anderson appointment today. Ortman and Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem declined to discuss specifics except to say that they believe Anderson's record is "controversial."

Gov. Dayton said Anderson has voted just six times in the minority since she's been on the PUC. He also said more than 200 votes were unanimous. He called the vote "petty revenge."

The vote also comes three days after a partisan fight over cuts to Senate staff has escalated.

Gov. Dayton holds a news conference on health care this morning. He's also scheduled to have breakfast with GOP leadership.

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The Star Tribune says the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter is in turmoil because six psychiatrists have left.

The Pi Press say Republicans in the Legislature have left the planning for the state's health insurance exchange to Gov. Dayton.

It looks like the highly touted Sunset Commission will protect most of the boards, commissions and governmental units that it reviewed.

MPR says the state has added wind farms but has slipped in the national ranking.

A Star Tribune editorial criticizes the Legislature for holding a retreat at the U of M but locking the public out of the discussions.

MinnPost reports that DFL Rep. Mindy Greiling cites Gov. Dayton's refusal to give her caucus a seat at the table as one of the reasons she's retiring.

Amendment to ban same-sex marriage

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke at an event that was hosted by supporters of the amendment.

A group fighting the marriage amendment raised $1.2 million in 2011.

Vikings Stadium

The Vikings are considering a fourth stadium site in Minneapolis.

Congress

President Obama will host a Google "hang out" today.

The Star Tribune says no one beats the beet lobby in Congress.

The members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are watching the transportation bill closely.

Bemidji will continue to get air service.

The Star Tribune also says bankuptcy trustees from the Tom Petters case are directing their focus towards politicians and political parties who received contributions from Petters.

Polling

Public Policy Polling says Gov. Dayton is getting high marks. State lawmakers don't fare so well.

Grover

Grover Norquist, the leader of Americans for Tax Reform, will speak at the White Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce in February.

Race for President

Rick Santorum will campaign in Luverne, MN today.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Mitt Romney well ahead of his rivals in Florida.

AP says Romney would rank among the richest presidents ever.

Newt Gingrich says he's staying in the race until the convention.

Herman Cain backed Gingrich.

The Washington Post says Ron Paul signed off on some of the racist newsletters that were issued in the 1990s.

Robert Gibbs is back on the Obama payroll.