The Daily Digest: 1-29-07
Will this be an amicable session or is there trouble on the horizon? Stories over the weekend are pointing in both directions. Let's start with the signs of a legislative detente (we're optimistic at the digest).
DFL Senator Steve Murphy says he doesn't want to hold confirmation hearings on Transportation Commissioner (and Lt. Governor) Carol Molnau for fear she won't be confirmed. He says rejecting her confirmation would open up a hornet's nest of partisanship. AP has that story. The Star Tribune uses that nugget and criticism of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion to suggest the confirmation hearings will be put on hold for the two.
Here are the signs that it could get dicey. The Star Tribune says lawmakers are going to take a look at the effectiveness of JOBZ. There's also discussion of examining Q-Comp and the Governor's cabinet. The two projects are Pawlenty's pet projects so it could get interesting. True concerns are future bargaining chips?
MPR has a story saying supporters will try again to dedicate money to the outdoors.
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MPR also says the courts want more money for more judges, better security and more drug courts.
The Star Tribune says the plan to insure more kids has been cut back at the capitol.
The Pi Press has a story on Pawlenty's plan to make technological improvements to state government.
The Pi Press also says there may be a push to move shoreline guidelines to shoreline rules.
Pawlenty was also on hand for the lab dedication in Rochester. KTTC has the story.
The Rochester Post Bulletin also writes about it. Check out the shades the governor is wearing. Cool!
The Marshall Independent says a Marshall School board member isn't happy about school funding and lets Education Commissioner Alice Seagren know about it.
WCCO focuses on renewable energy and public/private partnerships.
The Herald Review says Iron Range legislators aren't happy with Pawlenty's budget proposal because it doesn't include 21st Century Minerals Fund money.
Congress
AP says Norm Coleman is walking a political tightrope on Iraq.
The Washington Post also says Coleman bangs his head going "dumpster diving."
AP says there's a push to ban racial profiling (DFL Congressman Keith Ellison is mentioned).
DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar is quoted in this New York Times story that focuses on the angry populists in suburbia.
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette mentions DFL Congressman Tim Walz as one of the freshman who is keeping a high profile.
Will Walz share power with a New Hampshire freshman?
The Wall Street Journal says DFL Congressman Collin Peterson isn't happy about the new ethics rules and has grounded his plane.
GOP Congressman Jim Ramstad is mentioned in this story about the military's hidden draft.
2008
Forum Communications says Governor Pawlenty is getting lots of national attention. Norm Coleman even says Pawlenty is his choice for VP but GOP Congressman John Kline respectfully says he's not hearing it in Washington.
CQ also calls the 2008 U.S. Senate race "leans Republican."
The Star Tribune says war opponents are targeting Coleman (they hold a news conference today).