Early afternoon digest: more news about buildings and bailouts

The Republican-Leader reports that veterans in Fillmore and Houston Counties will gain a closer option for outpatient care because a VA clinic [is] coming to Decorah. The needs of rural veterans can cross state lines.

In House OKs $14B bailout: Walz votes against it,the Winona Daily News writes:

How they voted

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz (D-Mankato) — No

“It doesn’t do enough to protect the taxpayers who are footing the bill,” Walz said in a statement. Walz was one of just 20 Democrats to vote against the legislation. Walz said the measure does nothing to prevent automakers or their suppliers from outsourcing jobs abroad.

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) — Yes

“With up to 3 million American jobs on the line, more than 23,000 in Wisconsin alone, I believe that allowing their collapse is not an option,” Kind said in a prepared statement.

Kind called the $14 billion in emergency aid a “bridge loan to somewhere,” noting the bill requires automakers to restructure, limits executive pay and ensures taxpayers are repaid before shareholders.

Those who care to remember Walz's votes on the bank bail out correctly can look them up here and here. Hint: he voted "no" in the belief that both versions of the earlier bailout didn't do enough to protect taxpayers.

And who can't resist a doctor-themed political joke?

The Minnesota Independent looks at All in: Handicapping the 2010 DFL gubernatorial field. The Walz paragraph:

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz would undoubtedly climb to the top of the heap if he decides to run. His name recognition and charisma, along with the fact that he just won a landslide re-election victory in a part of the state that traditionally favors Republican candidates, would be an enticing combination for Democrats. (Walz’s office declined to comment on his plans for 2010.)

That's a very favorable assessment, though we're not sure how well Twin Cities voters know the congressman. With the sort of reporting we've seen in the metro press this week, how could they?

To get everybody in the spirit, here's a Christmas carol from the Boss.  We dedicated it to one special Pastafarian friend (she knows who she is):