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
September 10, 1997 - Midday guests St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and his challenger State Senator Sandy Pappas visit the Minnesota Public Radio studios to talk about issues facing the city and to answer questions from MPR listeners. Topics include partisanship, city development, housing, and downtown revitalization.
September 17, 1997 - MPR’s Martin Kaste reports on a persistent rumor suggesting North Carolina-based NationsBank might be interested in buying the Minnesota Twins and moving team to Charlotte. Kaste looks at how it could impact legislative action at the Minnesota Capitol regarding a stadium bill.
September 20, 1997 - Republican state party delegates have gathered in Bemidji today for their state convention. Delegates are casting a straw ballot for candidates running for governor and attorney general. MPR's political reporter Karen-Louise Boothe is in Bemidji this morning. She says the results of today's straw poll are not terribly significant.
October 10, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with former Minnesota governor Elmer L. Andersen about his life and his book, Views from the Publisher's Desk. Andersen also answers listener call-in questions.
October 14, 1997 - Midday discusses qualifications of school board members and issues they must be prepared to address with guests Jan Rhode, director of board training and development for the Minnesota School Boards Association; and State Representative Mindy Greiling, who was a member of the Roseville School Board for many years. Listeners also call in with questions.
October 28, 1997 - Midday offers live two-hour coverage of the legislative Special Session with a debate on the Twins ballpark/stadium in the Minnesota Senate. Debate includes gambling as a funding source. MPR reporter Martin Kaste joins Gary Eichten to provide analysis as debate plays out.
October 29, 1997 - Midday features a discussion with candidates for mayor of Minneapolis…current Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton; and her challenger, former Minneapolis council member Barbara Carlson. Topics include crime, city investment, education, and local economy. Belton and Carlson also answer listener call-in questions.
October 30, 1997 - As part of a collection of profile reports on candidates for Minneapolis mayor, MPR’s Dan Olson looks at incumbent Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and her political tenure in the city.
November 5, 1997 - Midday discusses 1998 election results with political analysts Bob Meek, a Democrat; and Nancy Longley, a Republican, to get their perspectives. Topics include Twin Cities mayoral races. Listeners call in with questions.
November 12, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Rod Grams about the situation in Iraq and the involvement of the United Nations. Senator Grams chairs the International Operations Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Listeners call in with questions.