State Senator Dick Day announced he will run in a primary. Brian Davis, another Republican candidate in the First Congressional District said he's disappointed and said "Senator Day went back on his word that he gave at numerous Republican activists' meetings stating he would abide by the endorsement process." Day says that primary election "are far more democratic than the current system in which party insiders hand pick the candidates." He pointed to the frustration over recent presidential caucuses in the state. Day points out that he has raised more money than his competitors. State Rep. Randy Demmer is also running for this seat currently occupied by Congressman Tim Walz. I talked to Day and Demmer recently for a story about running for higher office during a legislative session. As far as a primary, Day could be counting on his name recognition after serving the area for nearly two decades and being one of the more colorful and quotable lawmakers. Brian Davis, whom I've never met, is a Rochester physician and his wife is an ER doc.
Mary's Page
-
11/20/09/4:49 pm Franken's Cooking & Healthcare
-
11/18/09/5:48 pm Health Care Concerns
-
11/16/09/4:47 pm Unallot Lawsuit
02/2008
Senate Leaders (02/20/08)
Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem join Mary live in the House Gallery.
Headlines (02/20/08)
A look at the day's legislative action followed by the week's headlines.
Almanac: At the Capitol - February 20, 2008 (02/20/08)
Headlines (02/20/08)
A look at the day's legislative action followed by the week's headlines.
Senate Leaders (02/20/08)
Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem join Mary live in the House Gallery.
Minute Man (02/20/08)
Our Minute Man traveled to Mankato where MSU-Mankato’s president met up with the “jolly green giant” to promote their “keep it green” campaign to refurbish the Trafton Science Center.
How It Happens (02/20/08)
Political essayist and cartoonist David Gillette tries to explain the complex relationship between the press and politicians.
Dick Day Going to a Primary
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 2:57 pm
State Senator Dick Day announced he will run in a primary. Brian Davis, another Republican candidate in the First Congressional District said he's disappointed and said "Senator Day went back on his word that he gave at numerous Republican activists' meetings stating he would abide by the endorsement process." Day says that primary election "are far more democratic than the current system in which party insiders hand pick the candidates." He pointed to the frustration over recent presidential caucuses in the state.
MnDOT Audit
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 4:01 pm
The Legislative Auditor's report is out on MnDOT and James Nobles says "overall the picture is not good and parts are downright grim." The grim parts are resources and inspection follow-ups. This was just the ammunition DFL lawmakers needed to gain votes on a transportation bill that will hit both chambers on Thursday. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher noted that the bill has had 17 changes made to it to mostly address concerns from the other side of the aisle. Of course Dems need about 5 Republicans to override the governor's veto on this and they're feeling good about it. The override vote will happen soon, probably next week before next Thursday's February forecast. That news is also expected to be grim. Today Gov. Pawlenty began a partial hiring freeze for state workers "considering the current economic slowdown."
The Legislative Auditor's report is out on MnDOT and James Nobles says "overall the picture is not good and parts are downright grim." The grim parts are resources and inspection follow-ups. This was just the ammunition DFL lawmakers needed to gain votes on a transportation bill that will hit both chambers on Thursday. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher noted that the bill has had 17 changes made to it to mostly address concerns from the other side of the aisle.
( categories: Transportation | 02/2008 | James Nobles | Margaret Anderson Kelliher | Tim Pawlenty | Mary's Page )
Capitol Update - February 19, 2007 (02/19/08)
Vote for Me! (02/19/08)
After months of pestering lawmakers — and gaining insight into their lives — David answers the question, "Are politicians normal people?"
Merger Any Moment?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 11:07 am
It's telling that Gov. Pawlenty just canceled his keynote address at a renewable energy conference in Las Vegas that was scheduled for this afternoon. Our suspicions were correct, he did cancel it because of a looming Northwest Airlines-Delta merger. I bet that means a deal is as close as everyone suspects.
Here's the official word from the governor's office:
TO: Capitol Press Corps
FROM: Brian McClung
RE: Cancellation of Governor’s scheduled trip today
Just a quick note to follow up on the updated Public Events Schedule for today that we issued this morning.
Governor Pawlenty decided to cancel his scheduled trip to a renewable energy conference in Las Vegas today because of ongoing activity involving Northwest and Delta.
The Governor wanted to be able to stay in direct contact with staff and commissioners in case his additional involvement is needed.
Thanks,
Brian McClung
Director of Communications and Citizen Outreach
Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty
It's telling that Gov. Pawlenty just canceled his keynote address at a renewable energy conference in Las Vegas that was scheduled for this afternoon. Our suspicions were correct, he did cancel it because of a looming Northwest Airlines-Delta merger. I bet that means a deal is as close as everyone suspects.
