The Daily Digest: Franken’s regrets, Nolan’s first ad

Welcome to the Daily Digest.

Minnesota:

A second person with Minnesota ties is feared dead in Syria. (MPR News)

Sen. Al Franken says he regrets playing with traffic cones. (MPR News)

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So far, Franken is running a low-key campaign. (National Journal)

U.S Rep. Rick Nolan launches the first ad of his re-election bid. It's got all the trappings of a fun weekend up north: canoeing, shooting, and a walk outside. (MPR News)

Ben Goldfarb, who has worked for Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Wellstone Action, will be stepping in at the Alliance for a Better Minnesota, the leading liberal group working to get Democrats elected this year. (The Star Tribune)

The Southwest Light Rail deal came close to falling apart. (MPR News)

Washington:

President Barack Obama's request that Congress back air strikes in Syria is proving tricky political terrain. (The New York Times)

A new GOP poll shows women think the party is "stuck in the past." (Politico)

Finally:

Minnesota journalism suffered a huge loss this week with the passing of longtime KSTP-TV photojournalist Russ Brown. Condolences to his family, friends and all his colleagues. (KSTP)

The Digest is taking a break over the holiday weekend. Enjoy your three days off, and have fun.