Over the decades, MPR has presented the many different perspectives of Minnesota politics and politicians. This collection is home to a multitude speeches, interviews and debates on the issues of the day. Important topics of civil rights, environment, crime, budget, legislation, and campaigns are addressed.
Click on link to these well-known figures to see audio segments directly related to them: Michele Bachmann Arne Carlson Keith Ellison Hubert Humphrey Amy Klobuchar Eugene McCarthy Walter Mondale Tim Pawlenty R.T. Rybak Jesse Ventura Paul Wellstone
March 3, 1997 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen talks with Minnesota's most prominent statesman, Walter Mondale, who recently retired from public service. Mondale discusses political issues, business, and his years as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Vice President, Presidential candidate, and U.S. Senator from Minnesota. Mondale also answers listener questions.
March 21, 1997 - Midday discusses the results of the basic skills tests given to Minnesota eighth-graders. Guests Mike Tillmann, who coordinates graduation standards for the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning; and State Representative Becky Kelso, chair of the K-12 Education Finance Division, give their perspectives on the test numbers and answer listener call-in questions.
March 24, 1997 - Legislation to have the state subsidize a new Minnesota Twins stadium made some progress at the Legislature, despite lawmakers' misgivings. MPR's Martin Kaste reports that the fate of the Twins Stadium bill had fallen into the hands of the members of the Senate Local and Metropolitan Government Committee…and they were none too happy about it.
March 24, 1997 - MPR’s Karen Louise Boothe reports that hundreds of people rallied at the State Capitol on behalf of a bill that would restore the cuts in benefits to legal immigrants in the new federal welfare reform law.
April 1, 1997 - Peter Hutchinson from the Minneapolis School District says a systematic community effort is needed to help students be successful. Hutchinson outlined his challenge for increased community involvement in public education in his annual "State of the Schools" speech this morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
April 2, 1997 - Midday discussion with two state legislative leaders to talk about issues facing lawmakers halfway through the session, including welfare reform bill, abortion, immigrant assistance, taxes, and education. Guests Speaker of the House Phil Carruthers and Senate Minority Leader Dean Johnson share their viewpoints and answer listener call-in questions.
April 2, 1997 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton about an arbitrator’s decision than former Minneapolis police officer Mike Sauro is to be reinstated, after being fired by the city for second time. Sayles Belton shares why she disagrees with the decision, her concerns over off-duty work by officers in businesses that serve alcohol, and need for officer training.
April 7, 1997 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio’s Voice of Minnesota series, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor. Latimer talks about his life and work, beginning in the early 1940's in Schenectady, New York, where Latimer grew up as a shopkeeper's son. He would become, and still remains, one of Minnesota's most popular politicians.
April 8, 1997 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger reports on Governor Arne Carlson address to appeal for cool heads at Lake Mille Lacs. Rising tensions over imminent Ojibwe spearfishing and netting prompted the governor to make a statewide three-minute address asking for forbearance. Around Mille Lacs, lakeside residents responded to Carlson with a mixture of relief and doubt.
April 11, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten has a conversation with former Senator Eugene McCarthy during a visit to the Twin Cities for a couple of public book readings. During the program, McCarthy reads from his publication, Selected Poems, and answers listener call-in questions.