The Daily Digest: 3-11-2008
There are a lot people quitting, retiring and possibly quitting but the Digest wants to start with someone we're happy stayed around. Congratulations to Pioneer Press reporter Bill Salisbury for winning the Graven Award for his political coverage over the past thirty years. He's a great reporter and a wonderfully nice person.
Ciresi quits
Democrat Mike Ciresi quit the U.S. Senate race. Ciresi said In a statement, that "continuing the endorsement race would only lead to an unnecessary floor fight. It is time to step aside."
Al Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer are now calling his supporters with the hopes of getting their backing. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, ABC, AP and The Hill have stories.
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CQ says it helps Franken.
Legislature
DFLers rip Gov. Pawlenty's budget proposal. AP and MPR have stories.
Some Democrats call Pawlenty's proposal to cut the sales tax a "vindictive ploy."
A proposal to extend last call during the RNC didn't even make its first call.
A Senate committee pass legislation that would create a bridge victim's compensation bill. MPR, the Pi Press and the Star Tribune have stories.
MN Supreme Court Justice Russell Anderson is retiring. Gov. Pawlenty will appoint his successor. MPR, the Pi Press, the Star Tribune, AP and Forum Communications have stories.
A Senate committee considers raising the high school dropout age to 18. The Pi Press, the Star Tribune and KARE have stories.
There's a push to bar new radiation center construction in Minnesota.
The House passed a bill that would call for greater emergency management training and a bill that would update voter rolls.
Racino is back.
The Pi Press has a story on the proposed Asian Pacific Cultural Center.
There's a push to make Minneapolis Public Schools fragrance free.
Will there be another push to pass medicinal marijuana despite Gov. Pawlenty's veto threat?
There's a proposal to give tax breaks to small resorts.
The West Central Tribune says a proposed state takeover of a fraud probe might harm rural counties.
MPR says Minneapolis will pay you to buy a house.
Congress
GOP Sen. Norm Coleman helps Somalis in U.S. get an extension to protection status.
MinnPost says gun advocates are calling for a review of a gun ban in national parks. Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned.
The House votes to increase group medical coverage. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.
The Rochester Post-Bulletin wonders whether earmarks are on the chopping block. Kline is mentioned.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is mentioned in this Wall Street Journal story on infrastructure improvements.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says farmers could help pay for the disaster relief fund.
The FAA allowed Southwest Airlines to skip safety inspections. DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar is mentioned.
2008 Race for Congress
There's a competitive race among DFLers in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.
A Republican pastor will challenge DFL Rep. Keith Ellison.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
The Wall Street Journal mentions Pawlenty in a story on John McCain's options.
Bill Kristol calls it McCain's decision a daunting task.
Finally
When will NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer quit? Will he quit?