The Daily Digest (Mills to run in 8th, Legal bills mount in Brodkorb case, Same-sex marriage moves forward)

Welcome to Thursday's edition of The Daily Digest.

U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan faces a new challenger in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. At the state Capitol, the Senate has set aside more money to defend against the lawsuit of Michael Brodkorb.

And the Supreme Court decision striking down DOMA has opponents and advocates of same-sex marriage preparing for the next big battles at the state level.

Minnesota

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Stewart Mills to run for 8th Dist. seat (MPR News)

The 41-year-old grandson of the founder of Mills Fleet Farm said he's running as a "non-traditional Republican" in the strong DFL district. Mills said his campaign will focus on jobs and the economy, and he vows not to cut his hair.

After marriage ruling, many Minnesota politicians eager to move on (MPR News)

Except for outgoing Rep. Michele Bachmann, Minnesota’s congressional delegation is tight-lipped about the issue of same-sex marriage, with even Republicans viewing it as a settled issue.

State Senate earmarks $500,000 for Brodkorb suit (MPR News)

The state Senate has already spent $227,000 defending a suit from former GOP communications director Michael Brodkorb, who was fired after having an affair with then-GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch. A committee has approved another $502,000 budget for the defense. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk said he doesn't know whether the amount will cover the full legal fees in the case.

Dayton sidelined by hip muscle injury (Associated Press)

Doctors are recommending that the governor use a crutch or cane as he recovers from a tear in his hip muscle over the next few weeks.

With DOMA struck down, Minnesota activists cheer, jeer (MPR News)

State advocates for gay rights had yet another reason to celebrate on Wednesday, as the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. Opponents vowed to soldier on.

Minnesota Republicans want special session on warehousing tax (Associated Press via Pioneer Press)

Republicans are pressuring Democrats to overturn a warehouse tax that won't take effect until April 2014.

Minnesotans United's Richard Carlbom to start consulting firm (Pioneer Press)

The man who led the successful effort to defeat a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and who pushed lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage is starting a consulting business.

Tinucci rises to new role (Politics in Minnesota)

Governor Mark Dayton's press secretary, Katharine Tinucci, is heading up his campaign effort this time around.

National

Both Sides on Same-Sex Marriage Focus on Next Battlegrounds (New York Times)

Advocates and opponents will again clash over legalizing same-sex marriage in states like Illinois. There may also be attempts to overturn constitutional bans on same-sex marriage in states like Oregon and Ohio. Opponents hope the Supreme Court decision will be a boon to their fundraising efforts.

Deadline Near With No Deal on Loan Rates for Students (New York Times)

Federal Stafford student loan interest rates will double in July unless the deadlocked Senate can come up with a last-minute deal. Senate leaders rejected a Republican proposal to pin the interest rate to financial markets.

In Texas, a Senator’s Stand Catches the Spotlight (New York Times)

A state senator in Texas has become a national figure after conducting a successful 11-hour filibuster of an anti-abortion bill.

Hearing will examine IRS’s internal review of screening practices (Washington Post)

The acting IRS commissioner will appear before the House Ways and Means Committee to answer questions about whether the agency behaved inappropriately when processing requests from groups seeking tax-exempt status.

Female Senators Debate Military Sexual Assault in Private Meeting (Roll Call)

Female senators, who have spearheaded efforts to address sexual assaults in the military, were briefed on Tuesday on provisions included in the defense authorization bill.