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
February 17, 1998 - When Norm Coleman officially announced his candidacy for governor on Sunday he said he would seek the endorsement of the Republican party and promised that he would not run in the primary if he didn't get the endorsement. Four out of the five republican candidates for governor have made that pledge at a time when many pundits were suggesting that the endorsement process had become almost meaningless in the political process. Carleton College Political Science professor Steven Schier discusses the current state of the endorsement process.; When Norm Coleman officially announced his candidacy for governor on Sunday he said he would seek the endorsement of the Republican party and promised that he would not run in the primary if he didn't get the endorsement. Four out of the five republican candidates for governor have made that pledge at a time when many pundits were suggesting that the endorsement process had become almost meaningless in the political process. Carleton College Political Science professor Steven Schier discusses the current state of the endorsement process.
February 19, 1998 - MPR’s Martin Kaste reports that Governor Carlson has asked Major League Baseball to give Minnesota one more chance…and one more year, to try to save the Twins. Debate continues at the Capitol on how that could happen.
February 19, 1998 - MPR’s Martin Kaste reports on end of another stadium bill at State Capitol. The sponsors of the latest Twins stadium plan threw in the towel, as the bill's author, Harris DFLer Loren Jennings, announced he was withdrawing the plan from consideration, just hours before a crucial committee hearing.
February 19, 1998 - While the stadium bill appears to be dead for now, Legislators are scrambling to keep other bills alive. All legislation must pass out of a policy committee in the House AND Senate by tomorrow. Lobbyist Maureen Shaver has been busy keeping track of it all. She represents many organizations including the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association and the Minnesota Trucking Association.
February 26, 1998 - ST.PAUL FOR USE THURSDAY MORNING, DURING M.E. The latest Minnesota Public Radio--St. Paul Pioneer Press--KARE-11 Television Poll, shows about HALF of Minnesota voters think Republican Senator Rod Grams is doing an execellent or good job and about HALF beleive Democrat Paul Wellstone is going an excellent or good job. But Wellstone has FEWER supporters when it comes to his potential presidential bid. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports: Grams' over-all approval rating of 42-percent saying he's performing well, compares with the 39-percent he got last JULY. Wellstone's rating of 48-percent compares with his previous rating of 45-percent. St. Olaf Political Science Professor, Dan Hofrenning (HOFF-ren-ing) says the increases a
February 26, 1998 - The new state revenue forecast is due out tomorrow and the expectation is that the budget surplus will rise to 1.8 billion dollars. Lobbyist Judy Cook of the Minnesota Retail Merchants Association keeps close tabs on the activity at the Capitol. She was at the Senate Tax Committee meeting last night and says the budget surplus was a hot topic of conversation.
February 26, 1998 - Attorney Greg Wersal discusses his challenge to the recently enacted law which prohibits judicial candidates from getting party endorsement.
March 6, 1998 - Minnesota State Representative Gene Pelowski, advanced placement social studies teacher at Winona Senior High School, and Bob Wedl, commissioner of the Department of Children, discuss the new "Profile of Learning" standards requirement. Pelowski and Wedl also answer listener questions.
April 6, 1998 - House Speaker Phil Carruthers discusses the ending of the legislative session. Topics include tax rebate, St. Paul arena, education, and Health and Human Services bill. Carruthers also answers listener questions.
April 13, 1998 - MPR political commentators Bob Meek and Tom Horner will be in the studio to assess the Wellstone Presidential bid, the governor's race and other political issues. Program begins with report from Mark Moran in Iowa.