Statewide Blog

Around MN: Bachmann digs in, American Crystal talks resume, Vikes make history with stadium request?

Anti-Bachmann blogger wonders what he'd do without her

A lot of people feel sad about the decline of Michele Bachmann's poll numbers in the race for U.S. president.

Perhaps the most unlikely is Karl Bremer.

For nine years, Bremer has stridently opposed Bachmann, from her term as a conservative state representative to her current run as a Republican presidential candidate. But if she drops out of the race?

He will miss her.

"I find myself in the strange position of cheering her on," admitted Bremer, 58, who lives in Stillwater (Pioneer Press).

Bachmann

Bachmann on the spot in Iowa

Michele Bachmann tried to explain her health care policy to a worried woman without health insurance on Saturday, as her campaign tried to explain the embarrassing exodus of several New Hampshire staffers (CBS News).

Bachmann's campaign relies on repeat donors (Star Tribune)

Bachmann caught unaware of New Hampshire staff departures (ABC News)

Bachmann: Iraq must 'reimburse' for war (WSJ's Washington Wire)

American Crystal

American Crystal resumes talks with union

For the first time in two months, American Crystal and its union will resume contract negotiations. Union representatives say they have made concessions in their contract proposal and hope the company will come to the table in good faith (Valley News Live).

"We are ready to fight one day longer than it takes to get a fair contract" -- Debra Kostrzewski (Fargo Forum).

Experts decry synthetic pot: 'Much worse than marijuana'

Some of the synthetic marijuana products sold at the Last Place on Earth contain a chemical that may be illegal to sell and possess, according to experts who reviewed an analysis of the drugs' ingredients -- though the store's owner says the ban is too vague and has challenged it in court (Duluth News Tribune).

Minn. delegation reacts to Obama's decision to pull troops out of Iraq

Four members of the delegation released statements on President Obama's statement (Capitol View).

Heir adds a voice to her millions

Alida Messinger is speaking out, and drawing fire, about state's direction (Star Tribune).

Drizzle can't dull drought conditions in Minnesota

Southern Minnesota still suffers, and Minneapolis urges residents to water trees, especially new ones (Star Tribune).

Vikings

"The Vikings are asking for the #1, all-time, biggest taxpayer subsidy of any sports franchise anywhere in American history!" -- DFL Sen. John Marty (Daily Planet)

Gov. speaks on likelihood of stadium in Arden Hills

The Minnesota Vikings have a right to locate a stadium in Arden Hills, despite calls for the team to build on the site of the downtown Minneapolis Farmers Market, Gov. Mark Dayton said (MPR News).