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The Daily Digest: 1-20-09

Later this morning, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Obama will be the first African American elected to the position.

Several Minnesotans are in Washington D.C. to see the inauguration.

On Monday, Obama honored Martin Luther King and called on Americans to serve.

One of his biggest challenges will be to fix the nation's struggling economy. Warren Buffet said the nation is in an economic "Pearl Harbor."

Last night, Obama praised his GOP rival, John McCain.

An Obama prayer speaker has links to a Hamas linked group.

Gov. Pawlenty says the GOP should give Obama space to carry out his agenda.

Jill Biden said her husband had his choice of VP or Secretary of State.

President Bush commutes the sentences for two ex-border agents.

2008 U.S. Senate Race

Republican Norm Coleman's campaign wants the court to review all of the remaining absentee ballots. MPR, AP and the Pi Press have stories.

The Star Tribune called it a "dramatic shift in strategy."

Meanwhile, Democrat Al Franken is raising money in Washington. He also appeared at an inauguration party.

State Government

MPR profiles how one city will deal with the State budget crisis.

Minnesota's DFL delegation is looking for help from Congress.

Charter schools are facing tougher rules.

The economy is hitting private schools hard.

The MPCA wants to ban trash burning.

Some Minnesota counties continue to offer bounties for gophers.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are mulling a ban on trans fats.

Congress

DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says the proposed stimulus plan doesn't spend enough on transportation projects.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he's reluctant to spend the second part of the first stimulus package.

DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is calling for greater investment in Rural America.

Congress passed some pay equity bills. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned as opposing the legislation.

Politico says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann may be careful in her criticism of Obama.

DFL Rep. Keith Ellison gets a seat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

2010

Mark Dayton is planning a run for governor.