The Daily Digest (Winkler apologizes for tweet, Bachmann and Nolan team up, Supremes to rule on same-sex marriage)
Welcome to Wednesday's edition of The Daily Digest.
In Minnesota, a state representative made national news yesterday over a racial reference in a Twitter post defending the Voting Rights Act.
In the U.S. House, an unlikely duo team up on Syria. And much of the political world is focused on the remaining decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court, which could change how same-sex marriages are recognized across the country.
Minnesota
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DFL state lawmaker retracts controversial tweet (MPR News)
Following a Supreme Court decision that declared a key provision in the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, state Rep. Ryan Winkler referred to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as an "Uncle Thomas" on Twitter. It's a reference to the character from the anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and is a controversial term among some African Americans. Winkler later apologized.
Mark Dayton's 2014 bonding bill proposal could hit $1 billion (Pioneer Press)
Governor Mark Dayton said his proposal for a 2014 bonding bill could reach $1 billion. He said local and state governments and agencies have already requested about $1.8 billion in public works projects.
GOP Sen. Thompson to announce run for governor Wednesday (Star Tribune)
Yet another Republican candidate is poised to join the race to become Minnesota’s next governor. State Sen. Dave Thompson of Lakeville will make the announcement during a series of events today across the state.
Washington
Bachmann and Nolan forge rare alliance on Syria (MPR News)
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and Rep. Rick Nolan from Minnesota are co-authors of a bill to block military aid to Syrian rebels until it's approved by Congress. They come at the issue from slightly different angles, with Bachmann arguing that the United States would likely be arming extremists and Nolan saying that the country should be wary of becoming enmeshed in yet another “war of choice.”
GOP divided on immigration; House uncertain (Associated Press)
Supporters of an immigration overhaul hope a tough border policy will attract enough Republican votes to help the measure pass the House, where some conservatives oppose allowing immigrants who came here illegally a path to citizenship.
Supreme Court voids key part of Voting Rights Act (Associated Press)
A split court ruled a provision unconstitutional that lists which states and localities need the federal government's approval to make changes to voting. The court said Congress needs to take "current conditions" into consideration.
Supreme Court Could Make History on Same-Sex Marriage, or Not (New York Times)
The court is expected to rule on two cases related to same-sex marriage today. The first case challenges the denial of of federal benefits to married same-sex couples. The case from California challenges the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.
Democrat Wins Special Election for Kerry’s Senate Seat (New York Times)
A 40-year veteran of the U.S. House is moving over to the Senate in Massachusetts. Democratic Rep. Edward Markey won a special election succeed John Kerry, who resigned to become secretary of state.