Meet the Candidates is a long-running series at MPR News in which political candidates from numerous parties sit down at MPR studios and the MPR State Fair booth to discuss their positions and pitch their candidacy to potential voters in the listening audience.
October 16, 2006 - As part of our “Meet the Candidates” series, preseneted is a broadcast of Meet the Press debate between Minnesota U.S. Senate candidates Amy Klobuchar and Mark Kennedy. The two debated on issues such as Iraq and tax policy. Debate was moderated by Tim Russert, Meet the Press host. Program closes with follow-up commentary by political analysts Bob Meek and Tom Horner.
October 17, 2006 - As part of our Meet the Candidates series, Amy Klobuchar, DFL candidate for the U.S. Senate, explains what she would do if she gets to take Mark Dayton's place in the chamber. Klobuchar also answers listener questions.
October 31, 2006 - Midday presents a broadcast of KSMQ 1st District debate between incumbent Republican candidate Gil Gutknecht and DFL candidate Tim Walz. Gutknecht and Walz sparred over issues ranging from the Iraq war to the controversial DM&E railroad extension that would run through Rochester.
January 23, 2008 - Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Al Franken takes listener questions for Midday's "Meet the Candidates" series. Franken, 55, was born in New York City, but grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
October 14, 2008 - As part of the Meet the Candidate series, Midday presents Minnesota 1st Congressional District debate between incumbent DFL Representative Tim Walz and his Republican challenger Brian Davis as they met in Mankato to debate the issues. Walz and Davis spar on topics of economy, energy, foreign policy, social security, and healthcare.
March 1, 2010 - As part of the Meet the Candidates series, Midday”s Gary Eichten interviews three Independence Party candidates for governor to discuss issues facing the state and take questions from listeners. Guests are Rob Hahn, Tom Horner, and John Uldrich.
October 7, 2010 - On this Midday, a “Meet the Candidates” program with guest Mark Dayton, the DFL gubernatorial candidate. Dayton answers questions about the key issues facing the state.
April 20, 2018 - As part of the Meet the Candidates series, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews DFL Congressman Tim Walz, who has become a candidate for governor. Topics include state education, transportation, rural communities, gun control, environment, healthcare, and faith in government. Walz also answers questions from listeners.