August 13, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews the leading candidates for mayor of Minneapolis, R.T. Rybak, DFL candidate; and Mark Stenglein, Independent candidate. Issues discussed are housing crisis, environment, city budget, property taxes, and police.
August 14, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Walter Mondale, former Vice President, U.S. senator and ambassador, about the U.S. role in the world. Topics include the Middle East, globalization, and partnerships. Mondale also answers listener questions.
August 16, 2001 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis mayoral debate hosted by TPT. Report includes audio clips from the debate. Candidates were incumbent Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and challengers R.T. Rybak, Lisa McDonald, and Mark Stenglein.
August 28, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Dave Kinney, a reporter with The Newark Star Ledger, about Governor Ventura’s appearance at a New Jersey political fundraiser. Ventura campaigned for Bill Schulter, a Republican state senator, who is running as a New Jersey gubernatorial candidate as an Independent.
August 29, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum talks with politicians at the State Fair. McCallum interviews Norm Coleman, Bruce Anderson, Paul Wellstone and Mark Dayton.
August 31, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on Governor Jesse Ventura joining the throngs at the Minnesota State Fair to talk taxes and politics. Ventura promoted the idea of a national sales tax and banning elected officials from campaigning when he says they should be working.
September 3, 2001 - Howard Sinker, MPR sports analyst, joins Gary Eichten for his annual State Fair show about sports.
September 3, 2001 - Midday’s Gary Eichten broadcasts live from the Minnesota State Fair. His guests are two of Minnesota's top crime-fighters…Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar and Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner.
September 12, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Minneapolis mayoral primary results. Political newcomer and internet consultant R.T. Rybak will face two-term incumbent Sharon Sayles Belton in the Minneapolis mayoral election in November. Rybak was the top vote-getter in a race that included two other viable challengers to Sayles Belton.
September 20, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on first public forum of Minneapolis mayoral candidates. Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and challenger R.T. Rybak faced off on various city issues.