The Daily Digest (NFL commish in MN, Senate to hear stadium bills, Brodkorb denies misconduct)

It's a busy day at the State Capitol but before we get to the end of session drama, I'd like to point you to this National Journal story on how Americans are losing trust in the nation's institutions. It's worth the read.

Vikings Stadium

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is scheduled to meet with Gov. Dayton, the four caucus leaders and the stadium bill authors today. The meeting comes at a time when stadium negotiations are intensifying at the Capitol.

The meeting comes as the NFL starts to question the state's interest in keeping the Vikings.

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The visit comes as there are reports that Vikings owner Zygi Wilf's plane was spotted at a southern California airport.

The Senate Committee is scheduled to take up several stadium bills today.

The House Tax Committee approved a bill that would expand charitable gambling. The bill could be considered a vehicle for a Vikings stadium.

GOP Rep. Dean Urdahl writes an op-ed criticizing sports columnist Jim Souhan for botching his vote on the stadium bill.

Budget/Taxes

Gov. Dayton scolded GOP lawmakers for passing a supplemental budget with things he likes but including language that would diminish his executive authority.

Bonding

The House narrowly defeated a bill that would restore the Capitol.

Under the Dome

The House passed a bill that would license more social workers.

Final action is near on U of M stadium beer sales.

Abortion bills are a part of the end of session mix.

GOP Rep. Mary Franson said Earth Day is a "Pagan Holiday."

The Duluth News Tribune says DFL Rep. Tom Rukavina sent a letter to the Pequaywan Township board threatening to take away their taconite tax money. The town supervisors voted for a resolution that criticizes copper mining.

Senate scandal

Former Senate staffer Michael Brodkorb denied misconduct during a hearing.

Congress

The Star Tribune reports that the VA is responding to Afghan and Iraq vets by adding mental health workers.

Stares are being asked to apply for an unemployment test plan.

U.S. unemployment claims signal slower hiring.

The ousted Secret Service supervisors in the Colombia scandal have been identified.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says student loan interest rates could double without action.

DFL Sen. Al Franken criticized Republicans who didn't show up for a hearing on the impact of climate change.

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says President Obama is "waving a tar baby" on energy policy. She then said it wasn't intended to be "racial."

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison suggests GOP Rep. Allen West "has no decency" for suggesting many Democrats in Congress are Communists.

The House passed a GOP small business tax plan. GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen is mentioned.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is optimistic about the Farm Bill.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz is one of many lawmakers who is criticizing the lavish spending by the GSA.

Cities and counties spent $1.1 million on federal lobbying last year.

Race for Congress

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann has endorsed Allen Quist for Congress. Quist is challenging state Sen. Mike Parry for the GOP endorsement.

Gov. Dayton's dad has given $1,000 to Parry's campaign for Congress.

The Democrats in the 8th District participated in a debate on Thursday night.

Race for U.S. Senate

The four Republicans running for U.S. Senate debated the issues at a forum in Bemidji on Thursday night.

Race for President

Mitt Romney will meet privately with RNC members.

Mitt Romney is staffing up his communications shop.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is mentioned as a possible Romney running mate, touts the DREAM Act. Politico says it's putting Romney in a bind.

Romney also visited an Ohio plant that closed under President Bush. Romney blamed Mr. Obama for failing to reopen it.

Vice President Biden says Democrats have a chance to win Arizona.

President Obama's 2008 campaign failed to disclose $2 million in donations.

George Clooney is hosting a fundraiser for Obama. He's also playing a part in a new campaign sweepstakes.tid=pm_politics_pop

Correction: An earlier version of this post said Brodkorb admitted misconduct. He denied it. Sorry for the error.