Archive for March 2007
Death Penalty Debate Continues in Wisconsin
Even though Democratic Governor Jim Doyle has resolved to veto any legislation coming out of Madison that supports the introduction of the death penalty in the Badger State, seven Republican Assemblymen sponsored a bill on Wednesday that would execute “vicious”…
Read MoreSmart Politics Live Blogging at Klobuchar Event
Smart Politics will be blogging live from 12:00-1:30 pm at an event sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance (CSPG) at the Humphrey Institute on Monday, April 2nd. The event will feature Minnesota DFL Senator Amy…
Read MoreFred Thompson: A Promising Non-Candidate in Iowa
The latest public poll for the Iowa Republican Caucus by American Research Group includes a new name in the mix: former Senator (and longtime actor) Fred Thompson. Thompson—not to be confused with former Wisconsin Governor and ex-Bush cabinet member…
Read MoreJohn Edwards Surging in Early Iowa Polling
While momentum shifts have not been so noticeable in national polls for the Democratic nominee for president (nearly all of which have Hillary Clinton with a significant lead over Barack Obama), such shifts have occurred in early polling at…
Read MoreUpper Midwest Reps Vote 14-8 Along Party Lines for Iraq Timetable
On Friday the U.S. House voted 218-212 for an emergency supplemental appropriations bill funding the Iraq war, adding in various provisions including a timetable for withdrawal from the country to begin by March 2008 and be completed by the end…
Read MoreSouth Dakota Passes Qualified Minimum Wage Increase
This week South Dakota enacted legislation increasing the state hourly minimum wage—contingent upon an increase in the federal minimum wage law. South Dakota’s current minimum wage is fixed at $5.15 per hour—identical to the federal law—and will not increase…
Read MoreUpper Midwestern States Contemplate Presidential Primary Dates
As Election 2008 heats up, states across the nation are strategically shuffling their primary and caucus schedules in attempt to become more relevant players in the presidential campaign. Upper Midwestern states are also contemplating changes to their schedules in view…
Read MoreTurnover in 2008 MN House Party Control Follow-up
My Smart Politics entry on Monday for Twin Cities Public Television’s Almanac: At the Capitol site prompted a quick reply by the GOP leadership. Minnesota House Minority Leader Marty Seifert offered a thoughtful rejoinder here to my historical analysis demonstrating…
Read MoreGOP Unlikely to Take Back Minnesota House in 2008
The new Smart Politics commentary for Twin Cities Public Television’s Almanac: At the Capitol site is now posted here. Several commentators and news reports have filled out their ‘DFL scorecard’ as we pass the halfway point in this year’s legislative…
Read MoreNorm Coleman Maintains Double-Digit Lead Over Al Franken in New Poll
One of the Democratic National Committee’s most targeted U.S. Senate seats in 2008 is assuredly the one held by Minnesota Republican Senator Norm Coleman. Thus far Al Franken has emerged as the most prominent candidate to challenge Coleman in…
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