Dayton, Legislative Leaders eye late August for special session

Governor Dayton and Legislative leaders announced that they are eyeing late August for a start to a special session. The agenda includes fixing a provision in the tax bill and passing the bonding bill. The controversy surrounding the bonding bill is that the House republicans say they don't have enough votes to pass with the SW light rail provision. The bonding bill requires 2/3 vote to pass.

Update: DNC chair to resign: Brazille appointed interim chair

Debbie Wasserman Schultz who is currently a Florida congresswoman and more importantly the DNC Chairwoman  has agreed to step down after the convention. Donna Brazille is expected to step in as an interim chair until a permanent chair is elected.  This comes as the the DNC is holding its convention to formally nominate Hillary Clinton as its first female party nominee. 

DNC Chairwoman asked to step aside as convention chair

DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) has been asked to step aside as the convention chair amid questions of the party's neutrality came to light after leaked emails reveals that the DNC staff were working against the Sanders campaign during the primary process.

Controversy has followed her as the committee had considered replacing her before the convention amid other allegations as well including her asking for a significant clothing allowance and for putting her career over the party.  

Trump gives acceptance speech at RNC

VP nominee Mike Pence to address the convention

GOP formally nominates Trump for President

After much fanfare and controversy Trump finally reached the 1237 delegates on the first ballot to secure the republican nomination. 

Trump is expected to use a TelePrompTer to formally accept the republican nomination. 

Trump announces Mike Pence as VP

Donald Trump announced his running mate Governor Mike Pence (R-IN). Pence has experience on Captiol Hill and experience as a governor.  He also has message discipline and conservative credentials that would shore up support in the conservative wing of the GOP. 

Update: RNC Convention rules committee affirms binding rule

The RNC rules committee that determines the procedures regarding the convention affirmed the rule that requires delegates to honor their states commitment. A motion to reconsider failed as well. An amendment also regarding delegates to vote their conscience also failed. 

Rules committee to be key for RNC

The rules committee has been drafting final rules to determine the process of nominating the next republican nominee. One of the key provisions is whether or not delegate will be bound to their candidate on the first ballot.  Typically once you are past a few ballots. All bets are off so the key for the presumptive nominee is to finish on the first ballot. The "Never Trump" crowd is trying to revise the rules so that some delegates who are now Trump delegates are allowed to be unbound or to vote their conscience. 

Trump is expected to announce VP selection on Friday.  Fox News has reportedly suspended its contract with Newt Gingrich.