am.mn logoIn New Hampshire Wednesday, Tim Pawlenty said things like “monstrosity being jammed down our throats” (to describe health care reform), “Ponzi scheme on the Potomac” (to describe federal spending), and “red-hot smoking” (to describe his wife, Mary). People in the Granite State returned the favor, using these words to describe Minnesota’s governor: “affable,” “personable,” “exciting,” “fresh,” “excellent,” “pandering,” and “unknown.”

MINNEAPOLIS: A stadium not named for Hubert H. Humphrey. The Metrodome’s successor, as envisioned by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, gets shown off today. [Minnesota Public Radio]

VIRGINIA: Iron Range union local backs local boy. If taconite pellets were votes, state Rep. Tom Rukavina would be governor. [Hot Dish Politics]

STATEWIDE: Dems could do worse at getting elected governor. In Utah or South Dakota. [Smart Politics]

SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: A no vote on “dastardly” jobs bill. Michele Bachmann was opposed but the legislation passed the U.S. House 217-212. [St. Cloud Times]

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Flight attendant wondered if they’d get there by midnight. But the Northwest flight crew member on the jet that overshot the Twin Cities hadn’t heard of Greenwich Mean Time. [Associated Press]

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA: Historic map set for permanent display. The 1602 rarity showing China at the center of the world arrives just in time for the Chinese Century. [Minnesota Public Radio]