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Capitol View®
Jon Collins

The Daily Digest (GOP bashes tax hikes, Immigration debate riles House, Obama copes with spying scandal)

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Welcome to Tuesday's edition of The Daily Digest.

As tax increases went into effect yesterday, Republicans and DFLers renewed the debate about whether taxes hurt or help the economy. And national Democrats see GOP Reps. John Kline and Erik Paulsen as possible House supporters of an immigration overhaul.

On the international stage, President Barack Obama is seeking to tamp down outrage over reports that the United States spied on European allies.

Minnesota

GOP leaders mark start of budget year by bashing tax hikes (MPR News) As tax hikes enacted by the DFL-dominated Legislature kicked in Monday, Republicans argued that higher taxes will stymie the state's economic recovery. Democrats said the new revenue will boost the state's education system and lead to job creation.

Parties, candidates reaching out to donors as refund program returns (MPR News) A program that refunds up to $50 for donations to political candidates was reinstated on Monday, four years after it was slashed in a round of budget cuts.

Dayton appoints new racing commission chair (Associated Press) In the wake of investigations into current members of the Minnesota Racing Commission, Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed attorney Ralph Strangis as the new chairman.

National

Klobuchar and Ellison call for Voting Rights Act update (MPR News)

Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a key plank in the Voting Rights Act, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Keith Ellison said Congress needs to act to pass an updated formula. The two Minnesotans acknowledged pushing any changes through the bitterly divided Congress would be difficult, but said both political parties should be united in the belief that everyone has a right to vote.

Democrats call Kline, Paulsen 'persuadable' in immigration standoff (Star Tribune) Two Minnesota Republicans in the U.S. House have been identified by Democrats as possible votes in favor of an immigration overhaul. Although legislation already passed the Senate, House conservatives are wary of a provision that would allow unauthorized immigrants to become citizens.

Franken touts immigration bill (MPR News) U.S. Sen. Al Franken held a press conference Monday to push the Senate version of an immigration bill.

G.O.P. Groups Offering Cover for Lawmakers on Immigration (New York Times) Conservative groups pushing for an immigration overhaul risk conflict with the party's rank-and-file, many of whom oppose provisions in the Senate bill.

Immigration deal would boost defense manufacturers (Washington Post) The immigration deal that passed the U.S. Senate last week includes detailed requirements for equipment that would benefit individual companies. Companies explicitly listed in the legislation gave $11.5 million in campaign donations to federal candidates in the last four years.

International

Obama: Spying on nations' allies is common (Associated Press) President Barack Obama is playing defense regarding allegations that the U.S. planted electronic bugs and monitored computers of European allies in Brussels, Washington and New York. Obama said this is merely what intelligence services do, but ordered an evaluation of the reports.

Snowden Seeks Asylum In 20+ Nations; Gives Up On Russia (NPR) NSA leaker Edward Snowden, who is still in Russia, likely won't be granted asylum from any European countries. Some speculate that Snowden may be granted asylum in Venezuela.

Obama Seeks to Reassert U.S. Role in Climate Debate (New York Times) President Barack Obama's renewed emphasis on issues of climate change could reset his image abroad, which has been tarnished partly by revelations about the country's surveillance programs.

2014

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to face challenge from Ky. official next year (Washington Post) Democratic Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes will take on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2014. Grimes is the only woman currently holding statewide office in Kentucky.