A Bluestem Prairie

Walz introduces legislation to up vets mileage rate

More action on veterans' needs from Congressman Walz. We received the following press release:

Representatives Walz, Courtney Introduce Legislation to Increase Mileage

Reimbursement Rates for Veterans:
Congressmen say it will make the system fairer for our nation's veterans

(Washington, DC) - Congressmen Tim Walz and Joe Courtney introduced legislation to improve the system the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) uses to compensate veterans for the cost of their travel to and from VA facilities for care. In April, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Walz met with veterans from southern Minnesota, who told them that unfair mileage reimbursement rates were causing economic hardship for our nations veterans.

"Earlier this year, mileage reimbursement increased from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile," said Walz. "While a welcome change, that increase hardly matched the increase in gas prices at the pump. Veterans residing in rural areas like my district are hit particularly hard by the cost of commuting long distances to VA facilities and this bill mitigates those costs. Now, more than ever, is it important for us to ensure that it is affordable for our veterans to travel to the VA to receive essential medical care."

"For all they have done for our nation, our veterans deserve the support they need to access the care they have earned," Courtney said.  "Because of long distances to drive to medical appointments at VA facilities across the state, high energy costs have made it extremely difficult for many veterans.  This permanent fix is critical because we cannot leave open the chance that future Congresses may fail to increase the reimbursement each year - that is not a risk I am willing to take.  I am proud to join with my friend and colleague, Tim Walz, in introducing this legislation today."

Currently, veterans are reimbursed for their travel costs at a lower rate than federal employees.  Additionally, current law requires the VA Secretary to raise the deductible that veterans must pay every time the mileage reimbursement rate is increased. The Walz-Courtney legislation  would eliminate the deductible provision and provide a more generous reimbursement program for our veterans.  It would set the mileage reimbursement rate at a level equal to that received by government employees for their official travel; eliminate the deductible veterans must pay; and eliminate income, pension and service-connection restrictions on eligibility, so that more veterans who need VA care would have their travel costs covered. 

House passes Walz's veterans pain care management legislation

This statement came in from Congressman Walz's office:

Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved legislation authored by Congressman Walz that will improve veterans' pain care at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Walz's legislation, the Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008, was included in H.R. 6445, the Veterans Health Care Policy Enhancement Act of 2008, which passed the House by voice vote on Tuesday evening. 

"After hearing what a problem chronic and acute pain can be among our veterans, I decided something must be done," said Walz. "Pain is a leading cause of disability among veterans and my bill will lead to a real improvement in the quality of life for our veterans."

Walz's bill requires the Secretary of the VA to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on pain management for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, and to carry out a program of research, training and education on acute and chronic pain - training and education both for providers, and for veterans and their families.

Walz continued, "The VA recognizes that chronic and acute pain among our veterans is a serious problem, and I applaud VA's existing pain care programs. This legislation builds on those to give VA the necessary tools to provide comprehensive pain care on a uniform basis throughout the VA's health care system."

This bill has wide support from dozens of organizations, including the Pain Care Coalition and the American Cancer Society, as well as patients and numerous Veterans Service Organizations.

PDF: Final text of the National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act

We haven't had a chance to analyze the text of the bill yet, but we're offering up the final text for readers to have a look: National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act (pdf file)

Reaction to the House Energy Working Group's proposal

The Mankato Free Press reports in Oil gridlock under attack:

Congressman Tim Walz is part of a coalition of Republican and Democratic House members who believe they have a solution to the partisan gridlock on legislation to tackle America’s growing energy crisis.

The proposed legislation would allow more oil drilling off the nation’s coasts and use royalties paid for the drilling rights to finance alternative energy and conservation programs. It would maintain the ban on drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge while releasing oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to drive down prices in the short term.

“I think it’s what the public has been asking for,” Walz said.

The coalition, which Walz said was made up of 14 Republicans and 10 Democrats, has been meeting for about one month without the blessing or participation of House leaders from either party. A Mankato Democrat, Walz said the coalition’s hope is that House members will get an earful from constituents during their long August recess about the gridlock on energy in Washington and that the lawmakers will return in September looking for a compromise to enact. . . .

. . .The idea was already garnering some supporters Wednesday.

“There’s been a pretty big push today in co-sponsors and people who want to get on it. By the end of the day, I’m hoping we’ll have more than 50,” said Walz, who expects that number will grow after lawmakers spend some time with constituents next month. “... It’s kind of using the leverage of the public.”

Read the whole thing at the Free Press. In Walz, bipartisan group seek limited oil drilling, none in ANWR, the Rochester Post Bulletin says:

Democratic Rep. Tim Walz of Mankato has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce sweeping energy legislation that would open coastal waters to new oil exploration, but would continue to ban drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The leaders of the 23-member Bipartisan Energy Working Group said they came together on the package to break the stalemate in Congress over high gasoline prices, with Republicans and Democrats seeking to advance legislation before their upcoming August recess.

"If we don't take action, what right do we have to be here?" said co-founder Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, at a Capitol news conference.

Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa., fellow co-founder, said the group did not work with lobbyists nor representatives of the congressional leadership of either party. . . .

. . .Walz said he came to support new offshore drilling because the bill includes what he considers to be a comprehensive set of domestic energy initiatives, such as new funding for wind power and so-called clean coal technology research, among others.

"The overwhelming chorus from our constituents is to solve this in a wide spectrum of solutions," he said. . . .

. . .The proposal would end the current drilling moratorium along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the 125-mile moratorium along the Florida coast in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. It would be replaced with a minimum moratorium distance of 25 miles, with states retaining the right to extend the limit an additional 25 miles.

Walz said he pushed, as late as yesterday, for inclusion of the state drilling limit to assuage coastal states and those along the Great Lakes, including Minnesota, that wish to retain some control over offshore drilling. . . .

The paper reports that the GOP primary challengers responded differently to the announcement. Davis is taking a my-way-or-the-highway approach, while Day is more upbeat. In a moment of comic relief, Davis's campaign manager accuses Walz trying to make it all about gas prices. Who knew Brad Biers possessed such a brilliant ironic streak?

The Virginia Pilot (Norfolk VA) reported:

Lawmakers involved in the deal said they hope voter anger at $4-per-gallon gasoline prices and the threat of even steeper jumps in home heating costs next winter will translate into pressure on congressional leaders to embrace the plan.

Not to worry: a little red and white duct tape can make all those Davis campaign "Drill Here, Drill Now"  signs work just great for advertising garage sales and bean feeds.

Roll Call reports in Bipartisan Energy Group Set to Unveil Proposal:

Members of an elusive House energy working group are finally making themselves known and pledging to unveil bipartisan legislation this week that was intentionally crafted without any input from leadership.

Led by Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) and John Peterson (R-Pa.), the 28-member group announced Wednesday that they will file a comprehensive energy package as soon Thursday, with the hope that the House will consider it in September.

The group was borne out of frustration with party leaders and their seeming inability to find common ground on energy legislation aimed at lowering gas prices. Bracing for a possible backlash from environmental groups as well as party leaders, several Members have kept their identities under wraps as the group has been hammering out a final proposal.

Democratic members include Reps. Nick Lampson ( Texas ), Jim Costa ( Calif. ), Gene Green ( Texas ) and freshman Rep. Tim Walz ( Minn. ). Republicans in the group include Reps. Dan Burton (Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Rob Bishop (Utah), Robin Hayes (N.C.), Tim Murphy (Pa.), Henry Brown (S.C.) and Thelma Drake (Va.).

After meeting for the past few weeks, members of the group reached a final deal on the bill on Tuesday night and have begun collecting signatures for it. At the heart of the proposal is a call for offshore drilling — something opposed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — and the use of its revenues for renewable energy investments.

Setting up a potentially interesting showdown among House Democrats in September, both Abercrombie and Costa said they would not support an expected resolution to continue an offshore drilling ban that is set to expire at the end of that month.

The working group is mentioned in a CQ Politics article, Moderates Come Front and Center:

. . .The current era, when the partisan impasse has become the default setting at the Capitol, only magnifies the opportunities for people who can come up with bipartisan solutions. “It’s the only way to get something done around here,” says Democrat Kent Conrad  of North Dakota.

Conrad, fellow Democrat  Mark Pryor  of Arkansas and Republican  Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, along with seven other senators from both the parties, are now in search of just such a bipartisan package to address energy prices, an issue that has become highly partisan and nearly impossible for the leadership to tackle. A similar effort is under way in the House, where a dozen lawmakers from each party have joined an ad hoc caucus formed by Democrat Neil Abercrombie  of Hawaii and Republican  John E. Peterson  of Pennsylvania.

The only precondition for the House groups is that its member support a resumption of offshore drilling as a way to boost supplies. [presumably, this means "drilling in additional areas"-ed. note]

Investors Business Daily called it the Reality Revolt.

The Houston Chronicle has more in Coalition is seeking more offshore drilling; Energy effort bypasses leaders in Congress.

Walz's recent releases had been signaling that he was open to more drilling so long as it was accompanied by conservation, environmental oversight, and investment in renewables. On July 16, he issued this statement:

"Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke's warning of the risks of greater inflation and further economic slowdown is another wake up call for Washington. Business as usual won't work -- we need a change. Sky-rocketing gas prices are hurting working people, middle class families and small businesses - and, it hurts bad.  That's why I am encouraging Democratic and Republican leaders to end partisan bickering to find a comprehensive solution on gas prices. This is an extraordinary time that requires an extraordinary willingness to roll up our sleeves and find agreement.  I am open to expanding domestic drilling and oil production that is done in a responsible manner so long as it's part of a bipartisan, comprehensive agreement that includes conservation, speeds up development of new affordable fuels and cracks down on speculation.

We need to end the finger pointing and get to work on developing more short and long term common sense solutions that are good for the American people both now and long into the future."

Looks like he did a bit of follow up on that statement. At the time, we prefaced the statement with this observation:

We need to know that details about how Walz defines "expanded drilling" before we give this statement a thumbs up or down. Opening ANWR? Not a chance.  Increased and expedited leasing, exploration and production in already open public lands like NPR-A and offshore areas with proper caution and due environmental (and royalty) diligence? Sure.

This new proposal will be opening more offshore waters to drilling, but there's no gutting of environmental precautions, nor is ANWR opened. We're not convinced oil shale is going to be economically or environmentally feasible; so-called clean coal is also a bit of a stretch. We do like the increased investment in conservation and research into renewables.

The provision of allowing wood waste from national forests to be used for biomass projects will help projects similar to the Western Biomass plant in Wyoming that makes ethanol from wood waste. The extension of the production tax credit for wind, solar, and biomass is also a step forward.

Press release: Walz and bipartisan group announce sweeping new energy legislation

We just returned home to find a statement about about new energy legislation proposed by the bipartisan House Energy Working Group, and thus post this for our readers without much review. We have a couple of questions we need to ask, and we're not so sure that developing oil shale will be particularly cost effective, but the focus on investing royalties in  conservation, environmental restoration and research into new technology looks good. Opening all public lands? Not so good if that includes ANWR.

Update: The package doesn't include drilling in ANWR.  From Earth News:

Pennsylvania Republican John Peterson said the group avoided contentious provisions dealing with the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to petroleum exploration. “We want something that will pass,” he said.

Interesting article. The group does look to be searching for a policy solution beyond the bickering. [end update].

WALZ AND BIPARTISAN GROUP ANNOUNCE SWEEPING NEW ENERGY LEGISLATION
Freshman Congressman says bipartisan working group plan is comprehensive solution to energy crisis

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Walz and nearly two dozen of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle, announced they have developed broad new energy legislation entitled the "National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act." 

The bill, introduced today by Representatives Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and John Peterson (R-PA), is cosponsored by Walz and the 20-plus members of the House Bipartisan Energy Working Group.

"Today's bill reflects the results of a growing bi-partisan coalition of lawmakers who believe in putting aside partisan bickering and finding common-sense solutions that will speed up America's transition to an energy independent future," said Rep. Tim Walz.  "This bold agreement takes into account the short-, medium- and long-term energy challenges facing our country and takes visionary action to address each of them in a responsible manner.  This bill expands drilling and increases domestic production of oil, helps consumers by releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and provides a reliable and significant source of new funding for renewable energy research and energy conservation that will allow us to speed up the development of next-generation renewable fuels."

Walz added: "This bill creates an estimated $2.6 trillion in new revenues from royalties generated by expanded, responsible domestic oil drilling.  Roughly a trillion dollars of these royalties are dedicated to financing and expediting America's transition to a clean energy future that reduces our dependence on foreign oil and brings down energy prices at the pump and in our homes.  We will tap into the American can do spirit and work in partnership with the states to accomplish this mighty goal."   

In the short term, the bill releases oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and repeals the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid vehicles eligible for the alternative vehicle tax credit, which will help lower gas prices and encourage consumers to buy more fuel efficient vehicles.  In the midterm, the bill expands drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), which will ultimately increase oil supplies in the U.S.  And in the long-term, the bill provides roughly a trillion dollars in dedicated funding from royalties generated by drilling in the OCS for developing new affordable fuels and cutting-edge technologies, restoring natural resources - including the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, and providing additional funds for low income home heating assistance programs.

Walz has been meeting with the House Bipartisan Energy Working Group regularly since the group was formed in early July.  A detailed summary of the legislation follows. 

National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act Summary

Title I- Offshore and Onshore Leasing and Other Energy Provisions:
*    Repeals all federal prohibitions (moratoria) and Presidential withdrawals against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct leasing and preleasing activities on federal lands.
*    Repeals the 125 mile moratorium on gas and oil production in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Appropriations' prohibitions on the development of oil shale.
*    Allows the use of woody biomass from federal lands for the production of renewable energy.
*    Repeals prohibitions preventing federal agencies from entering into contracts for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel.
*    Repeals the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for the alternative vehicle tax credit.

Moratoria and State Approval: Prohibits leasing and leasing activities within 25 miles of the coastline of a State and allows coastal states to opt-out of production from 25 to 50 miles offshore within one year of passage of the act.

Military Operations: Requires the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate leasing activities with the Secretary of Defense and requires any unresolved issues to be referred in a timely manner to the President for immediate resolution.

Revenue Distribution of Royalties and Other Revenues Received (estimated value $2.6 Trillion) from Leasing of Offshore Lands Opened by the Act:
*    30% to the General Fund of the U.S. Treasury ($780 billion).
*    30% to Producing States ($780 billion).
*    8% for the Conservation Reserve ($208 billion).
*    10% to the Environment Restoration Reserve ($260 billion).
*    15% to the Renewable Energy Reserve ($390 billion).
*    5% to the Carbon Capture/Sequestration and Nuclear Waste Reserve ($130 billion).
*    2% to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program ($52 Billion).

The Conservation Reserve offsets the cost of legislation enacted after the date of the enactment of the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act for conservation programs, such as weatherization, and conservation tax credits and deductions for energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, industrial and public sectors to include Conservation Districts.

The Environment Restoration Reserve offsets the cost of legislation enacted after the date of the enactment of the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act to conduct restoration activities to improve the overall health of the ecosystems primarily or entirely within our wildlife refuges, national parks, lakes, bays , rivers and streams with emphases on the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake, Delaware and San Francisco Bay/Sacramento San-Joaquin Bay Delta, the  Florida Everglades, New York Harbor, Colorado River Basin and Intercoastal Waterways and adjoining inlets. 

The Renewable Energy Reserve offsets the cost of legislation enacted after the date of the enactment of the National Conservation, Environment and Independence Act to accelerate the use of cleaner domestic energy resources and alternative fuels; to promote the utilization of energy-efficient products and practices; and to increase research, development, job training programs and deployment of clean renewable energy and efficiency technologies.

The Carbon Capture and Sequestration Reserve offsets the cost of legislation enacted after the date of the enactment of the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act to promote research and development projects associated with carbon capture and storage in the production of liquid transportation fuels, electricity, synthetic natural gas and chemical feedstock and for the disposition and recycling/reprocessing of nuclear waste from nuclear power plants.

Buying and Building American- Expresses the intent of Congress that the Act will result in a healthy and growing American industrial, manufacturing, transportation and service sector employing American workers.

Title II- Cleaner Energy Production and energy Conservation Incentives:
Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax extensions and tax deductions of 5 years or greater for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation including facilities, alternative fuel vehicles and vehicle refueling property, energy efficient appliances, nonbusiness energy property, residential energy efficient property, new energy efficient home credit, energy efficient commercial buildings, solar energy/fuel cell and microturbine properties, clean renewable energy bonds,  biodiesel and renewable diesel and  plug in hybrid cars.

Title III- Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Modification and Dedication of Revenues to existing Conservation and Energy Research Programs:
Modifies the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to today's refining capabilities by exchanging 10% (70 million barrels) of the reserve's content and dedicates funds received from the exchange of supply and existing SPR funds ($1.4 billion estimated) to existing conservation, energy research/development and energy assistance programs. Specifically ($1.28 billion):
*    Advanced Research Projects- $100,000,000
*    Wind Energy research- $15,000,000
*    Solar Energy Research- $30,000,000
*    Low Income Weatherization- $100,000,000
*    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)- $100,000,000
*    Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy- $30,000,000
*    Advanced Research Vehicles Development- $40,000,000
*    Industrial Energy Efficiency R&D- $110,000,00
*    Building/Lighting Energy Efficiency R&D- $70,000,000
*    Geothermal Energy Development- $30,000,000
*    Smart Grid Technology Development- $30,000,000.
*    Carbon Capture and Storage- $385,000,000
*    Nonconventional Natural Gas Production and Environmental Research- $65,000,000
*    Hydrogen Research and Development- $5,000,000
*    Energy Storage for Transportation and Electric Power- $170,000,000

Corn and Soybean Digest: hot stuff at Farmfest

In the Corn and Soybean Digest, organizer Kent Thiesse notes Hot-Topic Issues at Farmfest's senatorial and congressional candidate forums next Tuesday:

Following are the broad-issue topics that the  candidate’s forums will focus on:

• The new farm bill: Good ideas, implementation  and needed revisions.
• Renewable energy development and policies (RFS,  import tariffs, etc.)
• How to best address rapidly rising fuel and food  costs that are affecting everybody
• WTO Negotiations, NAFTA, CAFTA, and other trade  agreements
• Addressing issues facing the U.S. livestock  industry. (Low profits, COOL, etc.)
• The increasing federal budget deficit vs. the  need for more spending on federal programs
• Rural development issues: How to strengthen  rural communities
• Future development of biotechnology in the  agriculture industry
• The impact of federal environmental regulations  on production agriculture
• Revisions needed in current rural and  agriculture policy

Here's the congressional candidate forum roster:           

* Congressman Collin Peterson (D), (Seventh)                      
* Glen Menze (R), (Seventh)                      
* Congressman Tim Walz (D), (First)                      
* Brian Davis (R), (First)                      
* Dick Day (R), (First)                      
* Elwyn Tinklenberg (D), (Sixth)                      
* Steve Sarvi (D), (Second)                      

Ag Leader Panel :
* Lynn Ketelsen, Linder Farm Network, Moderator
* Kevin Paap, President, MN Farm Bureau
* Doug Peterson, President, MN Farmer's Union
* Kristin Weeks Duncanson, Vice President, MN Agri-Growth Council
* Roger Moore, President, MN Corn Grower's Assn.
* Lance Peterson, Past-President, MN Soybean Grower's Assn

The Political Muse at LITLOC asks Bachmann "Office" Comes To Farmfest, But What About Bachmann?.

Good question.

Wednesday morning news digest: train wreck edition

It seems like only yesterday--or was that Monday--that  Marcus Piepho, a young Mankato conservative letter writer, recommended that the American oil industry should be celebrated. At the time, we suggested that the Republican National Convention could stage an oil industry appreciation pageant next month in St. Paul.

Looks like the festivities were already underway. Today, the Washington Post reports the The GOP Suffers a New Setback with the indictment of Senator Stevens (R-AK) on charges that he failed to "disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts on his Senate financial disclosure form." The paper notes:

Senate Republicans had planned to spend the week hammering Democrats for not pushing energy legislation allowing for more domestic oil drilling. Yesterday, as Republicans assembled at their political headquarters for a talk about the campaign season ahead, they learned that their most senior colleague had been indicted on corruption charges related to energy executives.

On the op-ed page, Michael Crowley writes:

If the charges announced yesterday are true, the powerful Alaska Republican Ted Stevens will end his four-decade Senate career in a sleazy flameout; the conservative committee baron is accused of concealing more than $250,000 in payments from the oil firm of an Alaska businessman who was allegedly seeking legislative rewards. . . .

. . . Stevens's style of intimidation reached its apex just when it was most welcome. Before Democrats regained power in 2006, the Republican Congress played by Tom DeLay rules, marginalizing Democrats, brooking little dissent and, most saliently, enabling committee chairmen to funnel huge amounts of money to their home states and districts with little opposition -- despite the GOP's stated dedication to fiscal discipline. . . .

The New York Times says Senator Charged in Scheme to Hide Oil Firm Gifts. The Times article provides a link the the Anchorage Daily News detailed look at The Alaska political corruption investigation. Teaser paragraph:

[VECO CEO] Allen pushed legislation that would benefit the oil industry in Alaska, and the charges largely involve his actions regarding a controversial oil industry tax being debated in 2006.  In a telephone call secretly recorded by the FBI in 2006, Allen  tells  Conoco Phillips Alaska chief Jim Bowles how he had then Rep. Pete Kott and then Senate President Ben Stevens - to whom who he later admitted paying bribes - working to stop a version of the tax that the industry didn't like. Conoco Phillips and the other oil producers have said they had no knowledge of any illegal acts by Veco.

Go read the details: look like there wasn't too much to celebrate. The DFL has called upon Senator Coleman to divest his campaign of VECO cash.

Speaking of train wrecks, more details are available about the Houston County ICE/DM & E train derailment. Although earlier reports had railcars in the Mississippi River, more recent reports place the wreckage in the Reno Bottoms. The Winona Daily News reports that it's unclear whether the wooden railroad bridge over which the train was traveling failed and caused the accident, or if the accident damaged the bridge.

The WaPo notes that Bush Signs Massive Housing Relief Bill.

CQ Politics reports Obama Meets With House Dems. The Democratic Presidential candidate told House members to:

emphasize, “Not larger government, but responsible government, honest government and efficient government.’’

Senate and House Leadership are cautioning against overconfidence:

Democratic Senate and House campaign leaders, who expect the party to pick up seats in both houses in November, are warning Democrats against over-confidence as they head into the fall campaign. Christopher Carney , D-Pa., said Democrats aren’t overconfident.

“Most people in the caucus are pretty smart. They read the polls, They see what’s ahead. And I think Senator Obama knows he’s got a lot of work ahead of him. This is not put away by any means,” Carney said.

Some of the work to be done: con bloggers are making much of McCain's most recent attack on Obama. The WaPo headline is blunt: McCain's Charge Lacks Evidence.

The National Rifle Association | Political Victory Fund republishes an article that urges support for pro-gun rights legislators such as Tim Walz.

In national political news closer to home, Minnesota's open House seat turns up in the CQ Politics report, Top 10: Democrats’ Cash Domination Extends to Open-Seat Races. DFLer Ashwin Madia is number ten. The lead:

Here’s another reason the Democrats probably will gain ground in the House of Representatives this year: of the 35 House districts where incumbents are not running this November, 28 are held by Republicans. Given the GOP’s strong defensive crouch, it may not be surprising that Democratic candidates dominate the roster of best-funded candidates for open seats — a key finding of a CQ Politics analysis of recently filed campaign finance reports.

Using campaign cash-on-hand at the end of June as the measuring criterion, seven of the 10 best-funded House candidates in open-seat contests are Democrats. The party’s edge is even more pronounced when you consider that the three Republicans on this list are seeking Republican-held seats, so their victories would not help the Republicans come any closer to overturning the current 236-199 Democratic majority. By contrast, six of the seven Democrats on this list are seeking seats that Republican incumbents are leaving open; Democratic victories in one or more of those six seats would help the party augment its majority.

The 10 best-funded open-seat House candidates are profiled below. Please click here for a chart that includes a longer catalog of candidates. All figures are current to June 30.

One important point to note is that while Madia raised more money than GOP-endorsed conservative candidate Erik Paulsen in Q2 2008, Paulsen maintains a cash-on-hand advantage. At the end of June, Paulsen had $1.1 million cash on hand, with Madia's campaign bank account clocking in at $738,000.

By way of contrast in the First, the Walz campaign $1.2 million on hand and no debt, while Davis had banked $376,718. The Davis campaign owed vendors over $19,000, as well as $124,000 the doctor loaned to his campaign for the cycle (pledging $385,000 in real estate as collateral for the $100,000 he loaned his committee at the end of June). Senator Day's campaign had $44,877 on hand; he loaned his campaign $23,000 in 2007.

It's important that those who support Congressman Walz not grow complacent, since it's likely that the  RPM, the NRCC, and their allies will throw more horse apples into the mix. Readers can help Congressman Walz's campaign by contributing here and signing up to volunteer here.

Photos: Above: Reno (MN) train wreck (Winona Daily News);  Below: Congressman Walz.

Rochester public access cable alert: Walz on this week's Belau Report

The Rochester Post Bulletin notes that Congressman Walz will be on Rochester's Charter Cable Channel 10 tonight, Wednesday and Thursday:

On the Belau Report this week, 1st District Congressman Tim Walz is interviewed by Jane Belau on issues of energy, agriculture, foreign policy, veterans affairs, the economy and his proposed "middle class economic initiative" announced this week. It will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on Charter Cable channel 10.

Remembering Kenneth Ramage

We realized this afternoon that we've been so self-absorbed with grieving our friend's death that we neglected a Bluestem tradition: remembering 2006 Mayo High grad Kenneth Ramage.

Ramage died in a tragic accident while he was helping with a campaign on July 27, 2006. You can learn more about this remarkable young man here and here.

Enthusiastic volunteers provide the energy of every campaign, and we take this moment to thank everyone helping fuel our democracy, regardless of party, and offer our prayers for the health and safety of all those pitching in. Take care.

Rothenberg Report move favors Tim Walz in Minnesota First

Via Polinaut, we learn that the Rothenberg Report has moved ("# = Moved benefiting Democrats) Minnesota's First Congressional District into the Democrat Favored column from the Leans Democratic placement earlier in July.

We'll see if we can dig up the full report (subscription needed) and post select excerpts here.

Want to help make sure Congressman Walz keeps working for Southern Minnesotans? Contribute to and volunteer for his campaign.

The next fundraising deadline for reports to the FEC is August 20.

Update: For those who might wish to dismiss this shift for perceived "liberal bias," the Swing State Project today examines Rothenberg's pro-GOP slant.

A splash from the past?: ethanol railroad tank cars fall into Mississippi River

Update Wednesday, July 30: The Winona Daily news provides a more accurate update on the wreck in Train carrying ethanol comes off the tracks in Reno. Reno, Minnesota, is just north of the Iowa border in Houston County. [end update]

This morning, a Twin Cities blogger wondered why the PiPress didn't name the rail company which experienced a derailment on tracks along the Mississippi River.  The Rochester Post Bulletin wasn't so stoic:

Minnesota Highway 26 between Brownsville and New Albin, Iowa, is closed because of the derailment of 20 cars of an Iowa, Chicago & Eastern train.

The Houston County Sheriff's Department said the derailment was reported at 5:22 a.m. There are no known injuries, the department reported, and traffic is being detoured around the area.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says at least one of the cars is carrying alcohol and 20 are in the Mississippi River. A hazardous materials team is enroute to the scene, MnDOT said.

The Iowa, Chicago & Eastern is part of the DM & E railroad. A November 2006 DM & E derailment near Courtland caused Highway 68 to be closed while an ethanol spill was cleaned up.

The controversy over a $2.3 billion loan for the DM & E railroad to upgrade its track in order to run up to 34 mile-long coal trains each day was an important issue in the 2006 MN-01 congressional race. The Mayo Clinic and Rochester Coalition opposed the expansion over safety and quality-of -life issues. The loan was turned down by the federal government in late February 2007 when a reviewer determined that the railroad was not a good credit risk for such a large amount.

The DM & E was soon acquired by the Canadian Pacific Rail. Plans for the upgrade are continuing. In May 2008, the Rochester Coalition and the Mayo Clinic raised questions about  the amount of ethanol that the railroad planned to ship through Rochester.

The Post Bulletin published a letter from the Track the Truth grassroots committee on July 11, 2008, DM&E isn't sitting still, and Rochester can't afford to, either.

Even more transportation news: Albert Lea city council favors I-35 passenger rail

KAAL-TV reports  the Albert Lea City Council [is] in Favor of Rail Line. There's video at the link. The story:

Albert Lea city officials have cast their votes in favor of a rail line to Minneapolis.

The council unanimously agreed they want a high-speed rail line between their city and Minneapolis.

Earlier this month, Freeborn County commissioners also voted unanimously in favor of the rail.

It’s the first county along Interstate 35 to give the go-ahead to the idea.

They hope more counties will follow suit.

Freeborn County leaders already met with congressmen Tim Walz and Jim Oberstar about the plan.

Oberstar is the chair of the House Transportation Committee.

Photo:  Albert Lea' s train depot in 1917. Swiped from the MSHS.

North Mankato MNDOT meeting: media coverage

Mankato Free Press, KEYC and the New Ulm Journal covered yesterday's meeting about MNDOT's plans. The MFP reports in MnDOT plan heavy on maintanence: Projects put on back burner:

State transportation department officials were short of chairs and short of cash to meet the demand they found at a public hearing to discuss a new 20-year highway funding plan.

Staff at the Best Western in North Mankato fixed the chair problem by bringing more seating to supplement the 120 chairs already filled.

A solution to the money problem wasn’t as easy to find. Minnesota Department of Transportation leaders showed slides to area city and county officials, slides filled with numbers that suggested virtually all of the new money from a rising gas tax would be consumed by inflation, bridge repairs and preservation of existing highways.

“It clearly shows that we don’t have enough funding for these major projects in the next 10 years, probably not the next 20 years,” said Lisa Bigham, the planning director for MnDOT’s Mankato-based District 7.

The response to that, at least from many of the southern Minnesotans who spoke at the meeting, was simple: Then you need to reprioritize.

Read the rest at the Free Press. The paper's editorial board concludes in Confidence in MnDOT is lacking:

If there was ever justification to create a massive infrastructure repair program on Minnesota’s bridges and roads, it seems one year after the biggest infrastructure disaster in the state would be a good time.

KEYC-TV covered the meeting in Area Road Projects Could Be Missing Out. Go over and watch the video clip.

The New Ulm Journal reports in Plans for highways:

. . .The part of the plan that stuck in the craw of most people at the meeting was the Highway Department's $2.5 billion allocation to repair of replace 120 structure critical bridges by 2018.

The Highway Department stated that a Legislative Audit finding was "to meet its 'preservation first' commitment. Virtually all trunk highway construction funds will need to be directed to preservation projects."

Rep. Terry Morrow, D-St. Peter, disagreed.

"Putting all this money into bridges wasn't the intent of House File 2800, (the transportation finance bill that appropriated money for highway maintenance, debt service, local roads, emergency relief funds for the I-35W bridge collapse, establishing a trunk highway improvement program and requiring a study of value capture to reduce public costs of large transportation infrastructure investment...). . . .

Read the whole article at the Journal. It editorial board says in Greater road risks, fewer road funds:

Urban roads may be more crowded, but more deaths occur on the lonely country road. Which makes it hard to fathom why the Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to push rural roads down on its list of priorities. . . .

. . .MnDOT's formula is not serving rural Minnesota well, and should be changed.

It's great to see citizens coming out to public meetings like this.

Photo: In early April, Congressman Walz and the Highway 14 Partnership gathered at an intersection of the road west of Mankato to talk about the press need to improve the highway. Photo from the Mankato Free Press article covering the event.

Winona Daily News: Fed bridge repair bill is a good thing

In Federal bridge repair bill is needed, should become law, the Winona Daily News praises Representatives Oberstar and Walz for their work on the new House bridge repair bill:

A House bill that would increase the amount of money available for inspection and repair of deficient bridges is a good idea and deserves to become law.

The bill, authored by Rep. Jim Oberstar, DFL-Minn., would allow for an additional $1 billion for repairs and inspection of some 71,000 deficient bridges in the United States.

It passed the House on Thursday on an overwhelming 367-55 vote. But it still must pass the Senate, and it also must get past opposition by President Bush, who thinks that it spends too much money. . . .

. . .Oberstar’s bill includes an amendment by Rep. Tim Walz, DFL-Minn., that would require the Secretary of Transportation to report to Congress on the economic and traffic impacts of bridge closings.

That’s designed to call attention to bridge closings that involve federal-aid bridges — like the one between Winona and Wisconsin, which was closed for a time because of maintenance issues.

Both the additional money and the attention to detail would be welcome changes, and Oberstar and Walz should be praised for their work on this serious infrastructure issue. [emphasis added]

Read the whole thing at the WDN, and check out the roll call vote here. All members of Minnesota's House delegation voted for the bill.

What Quimby said: "Some grass will eventually sprout"

Over at Across the Great Divide, Charlie Quimby writes in A Horse Apple a Day Keeps the Truth Away:

"Davis hopes by spreading manure widely enough, some grass will eventually sprout."

One of the old jokes in Minnesota political history is the gimmick Farmer-Labor party leader Magnus Johnson used to employ while campaigning on farms.

The Swedish immigrant (and U.S. Senator and Representative) would hop on a handy manure spreader and crack that it was the first time he stood for office on a Republican platform.  The Davis campaign has spawned a new angle: asking the public to stand behind the platform instead.

At Minnesota Central, McPherson Hall observes a bit more decorum:

Voters in November are starting to get an impression of Davis and it’s not good. From late tax payments to misinformed statements, Davis is showing that he is not prepared to represent the First District.

Press coverage of Walz middle class tax cut announcement

Walz unveils fiscal proposals to help middle class, the Post Bulletin's report on yesterday's press conference, begins:

As high gas and food prices continue to take a bite out of pocketbooks, Congressman Tim Walz unveiled a package of tax-relief proposals on Monday that he said would bring immediate help to the beleaguered middle class.

His plan would essentially allow middle class taxpayers to keep more of the money they earn through an assortment of tax cuts and tax credits, including a doubling of the standard deduction for taxpayers. To pay for it, Walz would raise taxes and close loopholes that benefit hedge-fund managers and highly paid corporate executives, as well as repeal subsidies for major oil and gas companies.

Walz, a Democrat from Mankato, said his proposals would bring balance to a tax system that is out of whack even as the middle class struggles with high food and energy prices. He said his plan cuts taxes for 61 million taxpayers and lowers the average tax bill by $750 this year. It also reduces the national debt by an estimated $60 billion.

"The current situation is unfair -- middle income families are being squeezed while big oil companies that receive tax subsidies are earning record profits," Walz said. "It is time to change our priorities in Washington and put regular people first."

Go read the rest at the PB. KEYC-TV reports Walz Proposes Tax Cuts.KAAL-TV's take-away:Tax Breaks for Middle Class.

Update: Reid Magney, a reporter for the LaCrosse Tribune, blogs about the bill in Walz unveils tax-cut proposal. His blog is part of the River Valley Blogs project kept by Lee Enterprises, which owns both the Tribune and the Winona Daily News. [end update]

Walz statement on middle class tax cut bill

Here's the Walz press release from yesterday's announcement:

WALZ UNVEILS MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUT BILL
"American families are being squeezed by rising gas prices and a slumping economy; my bill is the fair and right thing to do for the middle class," says Walz

(Rochester, MN) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz unveiled a major new legislative initiative to cut taxes for middle class families during a discussion around the kitchen table of Peter and JoAnne Bandy of
Rochester. 

Walz was joined at the Bandy residence by Nicole Sanborn and John and Diane Hedlund and their daughter Ava.  After hearing details from the families about how they are being squeezed by rising gas prices and the slumping economy, Congressman Walz announced that he has introduced legislation in Congress that would provide a tax cut to more than 60 million middle class taxpayers. 

"Middle class Americans are being hit hard by this sluggish economy -the cost of groceries, gas at the pump, home heating oil, health care and education keep going up and up," said Rep. Tim Walz.  "I am introducing this tax cut bill to bring immediate help to middle class families in southern Minnesota and across our nation. I'm urging citizens across the country to help me get this bill passed. My proposal takes billions of dollars away from wasteful government programs like taxpayer subsidies to the oil companies and puts it back in the pockets of ordinary folks so they can afford to pay for rising gas prices."

The Walz Middle-Class Tax Fairness Act will cut taxes for 61 million taxpayers and save an average of $750 on their taxes this year if his legislation were enacted. The Walz Middle Class Tax is fiscally responsible and fully paid for by cutting government waste and tax give-aways for big corporations.  The Walz legislation would also help pay down nearly $60 billion of the national debt. 

"The current situation is unfair - middle income families are being squeezed while big oil companies that receive tax subsidies are earning record profits," said Walz. "It is time to change our priorities in Washington and put regular people first."

Joining Walz today were residents from Rochester and Byron.

Pete and JoAnne Bandy are enjoying their retirement years in northeast Rochester. They are active in their community with various volunteer opportunities and are very involved with children and grandkids. They live a modest lifestyle and are grateful for avoiding catastrophically high health care costs.  "Yet," Pete says, "We could be one situation away from sinking into a healthcare cost crisis."  Pete and JoAnne would save on their taxes $864 under Walz's proposed legislation.   

John and Diane Hedlund moved to a modest home in northwest Rochester three years ago. Their lives are happily consumed by spending time with their daughter Ava and pursuing their careers. "I used to take Ava on daytrips during the summer, to parks and museums, or we'd go up to Ikea to shop," said Diane. "We don't do any of that anymore." Fifteen years after graduation they continue to pay off student loans.  Both Diane and John are concerned about how they will afford rising cost of living They purchase more generic brands, don't eat out as often, and watch their gas consumption.  The skyrocketing price of gas has limited the ability of the Hedlund's to drive long distances to visit family.  One weekend they did plan to visit the grandparents in St. James but were too cash strapped and realized they didn't have enough discretionary cash to pay for the gas. With Walz's tax proposal, the Hedlund's would save $1,283 on their income taxes. 

Nicole Sanborn has worked as a legal assistant since 2004.  Her major expenses are rent and car payment, however; she is moving from Byron to Dover which will double her driving distance to work each day. "I'm like a lot of other recent college graduates: I don't own a home but I have a monthly car payment and rent an apartment. High gas prices are really painful and stretch my paycheck to a near breaking point. Every dollar I can save is a big deal for me." She will save $832 under Walz's tax proposal.

Photo from left: Diane Hedlund, Congressman Walz, Pete Bandy, JoAnne Bandy, Nicole Sanborn

Post Bulletin "Weekly Briefing" editorial: No excuse for tardy taxes

From the Post Bulletin's editorial page:

Apologists for congressional candidate Brian Davis might claim that his failure to pay property taxes on time since 2003 is not that big of a deal. It was simply an oversight and anyway, everybody does it.

They couldn't be further from the truth. Most of us, whether out of fear of penalty or simply good citizenship, pay our taxes on time. We accept that duty, no matter how onerous, and meet the deadline.

Sure anybody can make a mistake. But failure to meet a tax deadline every year since 2003 is not only a mistake, it's a bad habit. It's the kind of habit that, while it does not by itself disqualify someone from holding public office, certainly calls into mind their judgment and reliability.

Davis isn't alone among candidates with tax troubles. Senate candidate Al Franken also has an untidy record when it comes to paying taxes.

As a result both candidates are starting their campaigns with a lot of explaining to do -- and rightly so.

Monday morning news and netroots digest: prayers for the road

The lead article online at the Strib's website this morning is Road less traveled is the more deadly one. The teaser:

A new U website will show a disproportionate number of fatal accidents happen outside urban areas.

In "Pray For Me, I Drive Highway 60,″ Dale at Corner House Comments writes about the neglect of Highway 60, another of Southern Minnesota's dangerous roads, in Pawlenty's MnDOT plan. Money quote from the editor of the Cottonwood County Citizen:

Can a state agency simply refuse to enact an order passed by the Minnesota Legislature?

Mankato Free Press reports Immigration issue has faded in campaigns. Walz and the two Republican candidates are interviewed in passing; the story gives more time to Republican legislator Bob Gunther of Fairmont, who praises Latinos living in his community:

He disagrees with those who say the workers, with their low-paying jobs, are a drain on government welfare programs. The vast majority of Latinos in his district are legal and pay taxes and payroll deductions. . . .

. . .“To me, there’s not a whole lot of difference between the Germans, Norwegians and Swedes of 100 years ago and the Latinos now,” he said.

In letters to the Mankato Free Press, Marv Kopp of Eagle Lake says Drilling in ANWR won’t decrease U.S. gas prices.  Experts agree.

MSUM student Marcus Piepho tells readers that American oil industry should be celebrated and Democrats scorned. This would make a nice halftime show at the Republican National Convention, bowing and scraping mandatory.

The SD 21 DFL Picnic and Sweet Corn Feed on Tuesday August 5, 2008 at the Ted Suss & Janet Marti Farm sounds like more fun. Head down to Farmfest for the Senate and Congressional Forums, then stay in the area for supper. The Rochester Democrat has the details.

Speaking of Farmfest, the list of farm organization leaders who will be asking questions at the congressional forum has been announced:

Ag Leader Panel :
* Lynn Ketelsen, Linder Farm Network, Moderator
* Kevin Paap, President, MN Farm Bureau
* Doug Peterson, President, MN Farmer's Union
* Kristin Weeks Duncanson, Vice President, MN Agri-Growth Council
* Roger Moore, President, MN Corn Grower's Assn.
* Lance Peterson, Past-President, MN Soybean Grower's Assn.

And the panel of congressional candidates now stands as:

Candidates          
* Congressman Collin Peterson (D), (Seventh)                      
* Glen Menze (R), (Seventh)                      
* Congressman Tim Walz (D), (First)                      
* Brian Davis (R), (First)                      
* Dick Day (R), (First)                      
* Elwyn Tinklenberg (D), (Sixth)                      
* Steve Sarvi (D), (Second)

Have Representatives Kline and Bachmann decided to give this one a pass?

A personal note: We've been greatly saddened for the last few days from the news of an old boyfriend's  sudden and unexpected death. More on that this evening in "Requiem for a Common Man."

National Journal: "Most Dem House Frosh Appear In Healthy Fundraising Shape"

We hadn't dipped in Lexis-Nexis for a while, and so found that we'd missed "Most Dem House Frosh Appear In Healthy Fundraising Shape" a story in the July 18 National Journal. Via Nexis Lexis:

The freshmen members who gave Democrats their House majority two years ago appear to be in good financial shape at the end of the second quarter, and their fundraising success may allow the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to spend more money on open races or challenging Republican incumbents.

Five of those Democratic freshmen have more than $2 million in their campaign chests, with Rep.Kirsten Gillibrandof New York's 20th District leading the way with $2.8 million for her re-election effort. . . .

. . .Democrats have significant cash advantages in the rest of the freshmen districts they are defending, too, including Arizona's 5th District, where Rep.Harry Mitchell has almost $1 million more than the Republican leading in funds in the primary there.

Freshman Democratic Reps. Jerry McNerney of California;Joe Courtney of Connecticut;Joe Donnelly,Brad Ellsworth and Baron Hill of Indiana; Tim Walz of Minnesota;Heath Shuler of North Carolina;Paul Hodes of New Hampshire; John Hall of New York;Zack Space of Ohio; Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania and Ciro Rodriguez of Texas all have fundraising advantages of well over $500,000 and, in some cases, about $1 million more on hand than their leading Republican challengers.

"Our new members have the wind at their backs and are consistently outperforming their Republican challengers," said DCCC spokesman Doug Thornell.. . ..

Funny how that fundraising stuff works. The rest of the article elaborates on this sentence:

And the NRCC sees a few openings.. . .

Funny, but the First Congressional District didn't make their list.