Bachman doubles down after bipartisan opposition emerges to her Muslim Brotherhood claims

McCain denounces Bachmann's Muslim Brotherhood statement

MPR News: "Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona took to the Senate floor today to defend a State Department employee against allegations that she has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood." Star Tribune: "The State Department also weighed in, saying Bachmann's remarks were 'vicious and disgusting lies.'"

Bachmann's former campaign chief -- shame on you, Michele

Ed Rollins writes on Fox News: "I have been a practitioner of tough politics for many decades. There is little that amazes me and even less that shocks me. I have to say that Congresswoman Michele Bachmann's outrageous and false charges against a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin reaches that threshold. Her unsubstantiated charge against Abedin, a widely respected top aide to Secretary Hillary Clinton, accusing her of some sort of far-fetched connection to the Muslim brotherhood, is extreme and dishonest."

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Star Tribune: "Despite the backlash, Bachmann doubled down on her efforts Wednesday, alleging that the Obama administration 'appeases our enemies instead of telling the truth about the threats our country faces.'" Her opponent Jim Graves is circulating a petition "demanding" that Bachmann end the "McCarthy-styled witch-hunt."

Also on MN Today

Marriage amendment foes winning money race

MPR News: "Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment on marriage have widened their financial lead but supporters say they are confident the amendment will prevail anyway."

Fed: Regional economy sees moderate growth

Bloomberg: "The Ninth District economy grew moderately since the last report. Increased activity was noted in consumer spending, tourism, professional services, construction, real estate, and agriculture. Growth was also positive, but slightly slower than in the previous reporting period, in the manufacturing, energy, and mining sectors. Some tightening was noted in labor markets, and wage increases were moderate. Price increases were modest, and some decreases were noted."

Video chat with Olympian and Duluth Native Kara Goucher

St. Paul City Council approves Saints ballpark financing

Pioneer Press: "St. Paul is one step closer to seeing a new Saints ballpark in Lowertown.The city council voted unanimously on Wednesday, July 18, to approve a financing plan for a $54 million ballpark in downtown St. Paul near the Farmers' Market."

Franken raps Facebook on photo tagging

Star Tribune: "Chairing a hearing of a subcommittee on privacy and technology, Franken challenged Facebook's practice of automatically including its members in a facial recognition program for photographs."

Revenue commissioner: State tax system in need of repair

Bemidji Pioneer: "'A deficit isn't a Democratic or Republican thing,' Frans said. 'It's a deficit and we've got to solve it.' Dayton, Frans said, will present his budget during the next legislative session and a tax-reform system will be developed to meet that target."

Common Cause seeks criminal charges against MNGOP, Sutton

MPR News: "The group Common Cause Minnesota is pushing for criminal charges to be filed against the Minnesota Republican Party and former party chair Tony Sutton."

Voter ID opponents out-raise amendment supporters

Capitol View: "Our Vote Our Future has raised nearly $183,000 since the beginning of the year, which is about $133,000 more than it reported in June when the last round of finance reports were filed."

Minneapolis native hopes to unseat Joe Biden on Green Party ticket

The Cities: "Anti-poverty organizer Cheri Honkala joined the ticket of Green Party presidential hopeful Jill Stein this week. The Green Party's national convention takes place this weekend in Baltimore, Md."

Lumberjack Days will be missed, many Stillwater residents say

Pioneer Press: "In mid-July most years, Jeff Chilson is stocking up on beer, ice and cups, hiring extra staff and gearing up for 18-hour workdays."