Daily Digest: Making an economic case to voters
Good morning, and welcome to Wednesday. Here's your Digest:
1. Will the economy resonate with voters? Republicans’ message as they work to hold on to thin majorities in the U.S. House and Senate might best be summed up by that time-honored political adage: “it’s the economy, stupid.” In the two Minnesota battleground U.S. House races where incumbent Republicans are facing re-election, 2nd District Rep. Jason Lewis and 3rd District Rep. Erik Paulsen are leaning hard on the stronger economy. They’re plugging the GOP’s tax cut bill at every turn, arguing it’s making people better off, and they’re telling voters that if they like what they’re seeing, Republicans deserve another two years in the House majority. (MinnPost)
2. Looking at politics past with Dave Durenberger. Former Republican U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger remembers another time in politics, one in which he says elected officials worked together more frequently to turn good ideas into policy. He represented Minnesota in the Senate from 1978 to 1995. Durenberger spoke with Cathy Wurzer about his new book, "When Republicans Were Progressive," written with the Star Tribune's Lori Sturdevant. It tells the story of the progressive Republican Party he says worked for Minnesota — and the ideals it could lend to politics today. (MPR News)
3. How voters mix religion and politics. Religion's role in politics and public policy is in the spotlight heading toward the midterm elections, yet relatively few Americans consider it crucial that a candidate be devoutly religious or share their religious beliefs, according to a poll released Tuesday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Just 25 percent of Americans say it's very or extremely important that a candidate has strong religious beliefs, according to the poll. Only 19 percent consider it very or extremely important that a candidate shares their own beliefs, and nearly half say that's not very important or not important at all. Still, most Americans see a role for religion in shaping public policy. (AP)
4. Line 3 remains contentious. State regulators on Tuesday postponed a meeting on Enbridge's controversial new $2.6 billion oil pipeline project after protests erupted in the hearing room. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission was evaluating whether Enbridge met conditions imposed by the panel in June in regard to the pipeline project, which would replace the company's current Line 3. The conditions, which must be met for the company to receive its permit, include details of Enbridge's corporate guarantee and insurance coverage in case of an oil spill. (Star Tribune)
5. Be prepared. You've done your research and know exactly who you want to vote for in the November election — but do you know if you're registered to vote? Do you know where your polling place is? To successfully cast your ballot, it's as important to know about the candidates as it is to understand the basics of how to vote. Every state runs its elections differently, and Minnesota has its own quirks. (MPR News)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.