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Emmer's uncompromising politics, style have alienated some House GOP colleagues

Emmer, now the GOP nominee for governor of Minnesota, has earned a reputation over his three terms at the Legislature as an abrasive lawmaker, even with members of his own caucus.

Capitol Report

Pawlenty v. ‘Obamacare': It's not about the money (access required)

On September 1, Minnesota officially missed the deadline to seek $1 million in federal dollars to help plan for the creation of a "health insurance exchange." Gov. Tim Pawlenty's decision to forego the federal dollars seemed curious for several reasons.





THEBRIEFINGROOM

The latest from Politics in Minnesota

Mayo Clinic weighs in on Pawlenty's anti-'Obamacare' hard line

The Mayo Clinic spoke out this afternoon against Gov. Tim Pawlenty's inaction earlier this week in failing to apply for federal health care funds.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal to raise funds for Emmer

This week DNC Chairman and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine was in town to support DFLer Mark Dayton's candidacy for governor of Minnesota. In mid September, Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will be in Minneapolis to raise money for GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.

House fiscal analysis: Back to school for education finance wonks (access required)

Estimates vary, but few believe there are more than eight people in Minnesota who actually understand the state's byzantine formula for funding K-12 education. Those seeking to scale the heights of K-12 finance would do well to spend the long weekend poring over a new 60-page report on the subject from the state House Fiscal Analysis Office.

WaPo: Franken is getting his fire back

Minnesota's very own Saturday Night Live comedian-turned U.S. Senator, Democrat Al Franken, is slowly showing hints of the spark he had before and during his run for Senate, according to a profile in the Washington Post.

RCP: 2010 could produce "once-in-a-century" election rout

Real Clear Politics' Sean Trende published an election analysis this morning that should scare the bejesus out of Democratic campaigns all across the country. Trende argues that big-picture factors are perfectly aligned to produce a "massive Republican blowout" more comparable to Democratic gains in 1932 than to the more modest gains made by Republicans in 1994.

Sara Grewing named St. Paul City Attorney

Sara Grewing has been named St. Paul City Attorney. Since 2007, Grewing has served as chief of staff for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

Pawlenty advisor tapped to lead Retailers Association (access required)

Brian Steinhoff will leave Gov. Tim Pawlenty's office to lobby on behalf of Minnesota retailers. Steinhoff will replace Buzz Anderson when he assumes the job Sept. 15.

DNC Chairman: Dayton is the best gov candidate for local governments (access required)

DNC Chairman and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine was in Minneapolis Wednesday to push for DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton, saying he is the Minnesota candidate who will support local governments.


THEPOLITICSPORTAL

METRO EAST

COMMENTARY

  • Smith: Point of pride for Minnesota
    Some refreshingly good news about the quality of our public education system almost got out last week, but was mostly overlooked or underplayed by mainstream media.

ELECTIONS

BUDGET / TAXES

EDUCATION

  • House fiscal analysis: Back to school for education finance wonks
    Estimates vary, but few believe there are more than eight people in Minnesota who actually understand the state's byzantine formula for funding K-12 education. Those seeking to scale the heights of K-12 finance would do well to spend the long weekend poring over a new 60-page report on the subject from the state House Fiscal Analysis Office.

ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT

  • Meffert plan would boost solar installers and schools
    CD3 candidate Jim Meffert announced a new proposal today that's designed to give a boost to a sector of the green jobs industry while increasing the energy efficiency of schools. His "Solar for Our Schools" initiative would move $15 billion in unspent Recovery Act dollars to retrofit roughly 6,000 schools nationwide with rooftop solar panels.

HEALTH CARE

POLITICS IN MINNESOTA NETWORKING CALENDAR