Politically Connected: National Politics

Pawlenty tops Post VP list

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is back in the national spotlight.The media are moving on to vice presidential speculation, and Pawlenty was listed Sunday as McCain's most likely choice for a running mate by the Washington Post.

Obama, Clinton look to West Virginia

Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton were preparing for Tuesday's primary in West Virginia, a contest that Clinton is heavily favored to win but which likely won't dent Obama's almost insurmountable lead in the delegate count.

McCain urges free-market principles to reduce global warming

Republican John McCain, reaching out to both independents and green-minded social conservatives, argues that global warming is undeniable and the country must take steps to bring it under control while adhering to free-market principles.

Congress eyes dramatic expansion of GI bill

Congressional Democrats are pushing what could become the most dramatic expansion of college aid for military veterans since World War II, with a bill they hope will buoy them this election season and become an albatross for Republicans.

Poll: Clinton far ahead in West Virginia

THE RACE: The presidential race for Democrats in West Virginia

Coming up

Thursday, May 8
  • 6-9 p.m.: DFL U.S. Senate candidates Al Franken and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer appear at the 10th Annual Kandiyohi County DFL Dinner, Atwater Community Center, Atwater.
Saturday, May 10
  • 1-4 p.m.: DFL U.S. Senate candidate Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer appears at the Le Sueur County Annual Bean Feed Fundraiser, at David and Jane Cummisky’s house, 1280 Highway 13 North, Waterville.
  • 4-5 p.m.: Nelson-Pallmeyer holds a coffee and conversation gathering at the home of Bob and Suzannah Ciernia, 41 Fareway Drive, Northfield.
  • 7-9 p.m.: Nelson-Pallmeyer holds a coffee and conversation gathering at Sue and Greg Skog’s house, 1591 Mallard Drive, Eagan.
Thursday, May 15
  • 6 p.m.: Former Gov. Jesse Ventura signs copies of his latest book, “Don’t Start the Revolution Without Me!”, in the rotunda at the Mall of America, Bloomington. Wristbands for the autograph line will be distributed starting at 3 p.m.
Friday, May 16
  • 7 p.m.: Former Gov. Jesse Ventura and his wife, Terry, will sign Ventura’s new book, “Don’t Start the Revolution Without Me!”, at Barnes & Noble, 8040 Wedgewood Lane, Maple Grove.
Saturday, May 17
  • 10 a.m.: DFL Seventh Congressional District Convention, Arrowhead Resort, Alexandria.
  • 10 a.m.: DFL Minneapolis City Convention, Edison High School, 700 22nd Ave. NE., Minneapolis.
May 29-30
  • GOP State Convention. Mayo Civic Center, Rochester.
June 6-8
  • DFL State Convention. Mayo Civic Center, Rochester.
Aug. 25-28
  • Democratic National Convention, Pepsi Center, Denver.
Aug. 29-Sept. 4
  • In conjunction with the Republican National Convention, the Minneapolis St. Paul 2008 Host Committee will present CivicFest, featuring dozens of exhibits on Minnesota and American history and politics — including a half-scale replica of the Oval Office — at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for those under age 8. More information: www.civicfest.org.
Sept. 1-4
  • Republican National Convention, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul.