News, Politics and Religion

How Tim Pawlenty made his case for VP by wrecking the Minnesota economy: Tim Pawlenty’s main claim to the mantle of GOP vice presidential candidate, when all is said and done, is probably his loyalty to the John McCain campaign in its dark hours of 2007 and McCain’s much-remarked personal affection for Minnesota’s Mr. Nice Guy. Pawlenty’s strategic value to the campaign is another question entirely, but to the extent TP has credentials to bruit around, they consist mainly of his bona fides as an evangelical Christian (previous MnIndy report) and as a fiscal hawk who has held the line on taxes in his state.

You can also listen to Britt Robson on Air America discussing this same topic. It’s an interesting conversation if you care about the economy of this state.

The Bush Legacy Tour: Bus hailing Bush’s legacy to stop in St. Paul today (hint: it’s an ironic tribute)

Bachmann calls to defund Planned Parenthood: Tim Stanley, executive director of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) Action Fund, took issue with Bachmann’s characterization. “Planned Parenthood does more in one day to prevent unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion than politicians like Michele Bachmann do in a lifetime,” said Stanley.

Elections ‘08 Map Gallery: Campaign Trail Map: Use the Campaign Trail Map to track the candidates as they make their way around the country.

The 2008 Most Beautiful People at the Capitol Awards

Jesse Ventura To Run for Senate: Ventura, born Jim Janos, tells Welna that the main reason he’s running is because of Coleman’s support for the war in Iraq. “That’s the reason I run,” he says. “I run because it angers me…All you Minnesotans take a good hard look at all three of us. And you decide: if you were in a dark alley which one of the three of us would you want with you? (via)

If I were a Republican, I’d totally vote for Jesse.

UPDATE: Or maybe he isn’t running, sounds like the reporter jumped the gun. Shocking

Obama and McCain Tax Proposals: According to a new analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are both proposing tax plans that would result in cuts for most American families. Obama’s plan gives the biggest cuts to those who make the least, while McCain would give the largest cuts to the very wealthy.

Mississippi Floodwaters in Iowa: Holy crap, these are some amazing pictures of the flooding in Cedar Rapids, IA. I hadn’t really read much about the floods, but the pictures are eerily similar to those in Grand Forks back in 1997. (via)

Democrats & Liberals:: Obama’s Urban Policy: Obama will create a White House Office of Urban Policy to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs. The Director of Urban Policy will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs.

McCain: Constitution says America is a Christian nation

Top Tourist Spots Americans Can’t Visit: Looking for someplace special to spend the Fourth of July? FP investigates five fabulous destinations where a summer getaway is next to impossible. (via)

Punch It In!: You just won the Democrat’s nomination for President — time to punch it in! (via)