am.mn logoSt. Paul set the standard at last year’s Republican National Convention for dealing with protesters and reporters during a so-called “National Special Security Event.” That Minnesota hotdish of pre-emptive detention and prior (physical) restraint on the media is getting re-warmed as Pittsburgh prepares to host the G-20 Summit later this week, writes Nigel Parry at the RNC ‘08 Report.

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning …

ST. PAUL: Gov. Pawlenty’s stance on climate-change continues to melt. A policy point evolves into a punch line. [Minnesota Public Radio]

NASHWAUK: Judges reject environmentalists’ case against new taconite plant. Global warming was addressed in the Environmental Impact Study — didn’t you see the chapter heading “Carbon Footprint”? [Duluth News Tribune]

MINNEAPOLIS: Editorial views right-sized. A candidate for park board in Minneapolis complains that due to “staff constraints” the Star-Tribune editorial page will only endorse in races that have no incumbent. [e-democracy]

ALEXANDRIA: Politics be damned! Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County Attorney and guv candidate, tells a local audience health care reform requires a real leader: “I am ready to provide that leadership, no matter what the political consequences may be.” [Alexandria Echo Press]

LAKE MINNETONKA: Still sweet. Ponzi schemer Tom Petters’ 590-bottle wine cellar goes for $7,080. [Star Tribune]

EDEN PRAIRIE: Free speech in chains at local library. A blogger defends a library patron’s right to leave notes no one can read with “9/11″ and doodles of buildings.   [Gavin Sullivan]