Almanac: At the Capitol

There's been a couple of candidates running real campaigns to replace 3rd District Congressman Jim Ramstad for weeks now. But many of us in the political world have been wondering when a candidate was actually going to hold that big kick-off event. Now State Senator Terri Bonoff will become the first to make it official at a press conference Monday at Hopkins High School. I bet we'll hear from State Representative Erik Paulsen soon too. It's amazing how quickly this seemed to turn into a two person race. Remember when Sabo announced his retirement and there were more than a dozen candidates just on the DFL side? Granted, this is a totally different district and the quick narrowing of the candidates probably speaks to the fact neither party wants to spend time or money fighting internally when the seat could be a toss up. I should mention another Democrat, Ashwin Madia, (who's website takes forever to load) and most have never heard of says he's running. But this sure is going to be interesting!

Gov. Pawlenty just announced that Indian firm Essar Global who took over a steel plant in northern Minnesota will not invest in Iran unless it's permitted under U.S. law. Pawlenty said the company was exploring business in Iran, but they made it clear they are not going forward. The governor says, "the project is now back on track." It was an interesting lesson for the governor on vetting a company in the world of global commerce. It was a chance for Pawlenty to weigh in to international politics and chart a successful course. Yes, he continues to deny any interest in higher office, but this was a good chance for him to prove he can negotiate in world politics. The best line of the news conference came when Iron Range newspaper editor Bill Hanna joined the press conference by phone and Pawlenty said he knew he "better clear this up before the governor's deer hunting opener in Hibbing or the hunter would become the hunted." The other big story of the week for the governor has been his new partnerships with liberal environmentalists. Last session this was clearly the issue he decided he could cross party lines on and now he's taken it a step further with upcoming events with Al Gore (j/k) and Will Steger. Pawlenty is a smart politician who probably knows that about 85% of Americans believe in global warming. Now those 15% who don't might be part of his conservative base, so it's a gamble too.

Word just came from MnDOT of another major road closure because of bridge concerns. Here's the news release:

To be released: Immediately

Unplanned closure of northbound I-35W in Minneapolis on Oct. 29

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — The northbound lanes of Interstate 35W at the eastern junction of I-35W and Highway 62 were closed this afternoon and remain closed until further notice. As a safety precaution, crews are evaluating a temporary bridge on westbound Hwy 62 that is currently under construction and runs above northbound I-35W. The temporary bridge for westbound Hwy 62 is part of the I-35W/Hwy 62 Crosstown Reconstruction project.

The southbound lanes of I-35W and all lanes of Hwy 62 remain open.

Motorists should follow the posted detours during the closures.

The Minnesota State Patrol will be using extraordinary enforcement to ensure that motorists stay out of closed areas.

For updated information motorists can call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

For more information on the I-35W/Hwy 62 Crosstown Reconstruction project, visit www.mndot.gov, call the Crosstown Project hotline at 1-866/743-6590, send an e-mail to crosstown@rranow.com.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. For statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org or call 511 or log onto www.mndot.gov