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
October 28, 1998 - On this edition of MPR’s Voices of Minnesota series, a profile of two long-time Minnesota political activists; Geri Joseph of the DFL and Republican Kathleen Ridder. The two women have played a major role in shaping politics in Minnesota.
October 31, 1998 - The three major Gubernatorial candidates debated for ONE last time on radio AND television last night. DFL-er Skip Humphrey, Republican Norm Coleman and the Reform Party's Jesse Ventura debated key issues before a LIVE studio audience.
November 5, 1998 - George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor, shares his thoughts of the role of public service and politicians. Topics include the recent election of “non-politician” Jesse Ventura, the change in electorate, governmental knowledge as a functioning public good, and the “legislative center.” Latimer also answers listener questions.
November 5, 1998 - Business and labor leaders have had a few days now to absorb the news of Jesse Ventura's suprise victory Tuesday night. While neither side claims to know a great deal about the Ventura agenda, both claim they'll find common ground with his administration. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo surveys the new landscape. NARRATION: In this year's election, quite predictably, business gave their support to Republican Norm Coleman and labor backed D-F-Ler Skip Humphrey. Neither expected Reform candidate Jesse Ventura would prevail. But now that the contest is over, leaders of both business AND labor express optimism that Ventura, a relatively unknown political quantity, represents a new opportunity for both of their camps.
November 5, 1998 - There has been a lot of head scratching among the Jesse-Ventura-pilloried "experts" about how the reform Party Candidate came to be Minnesota's Governor elect--- particularly in the face of two party-machine-groomed opponents. The Ventura victory has been described as a protest by disenfranchised voters: but Minnesota Public RAdio's Lynette Nyman reports it could be more complicated than that.... The common wisdom is the Jesse Ventura voter is like an Edina Woman named Mary, who called in to an MPR post-election show. Mary said she was undecided till the end....but then placed her faith in Jesse. 1:06:08 I wanted to make a statement....
November 5, 1998 - JESSE VENTURA'S SURPRISING VICTORY IN THE MINNESOTA GOVERNOR'S RACE IS ATTRACTING ATTENTION FROM AROUND THE WORLD. ONCE VENTURA TAKES OFFICE HIS PERFORMANCE IS ALSO LIKELY TO BE SCRUTINIZED NATIONALLY ... ESPECIALLY BY THOSE SEEKING TO GAUGE THE VIABILITY OF THE REFORM PARTY AND THIRD PARTIES GENERALLY. MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO'S WILLIAM WILCOXEN REPORTS... AT ONE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING -- LESS THAN AN HOUR AFTER JESSE VENTURA PROCLAIMED HE'D SHOCKED THE WORLD -- QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REFORM PARTY'S STAYING POWER WERE ALREADY FILTERING THROUGH THE SMOKE FROM VENTURA VICTORY CIGARS. MEDIA CONSULTANT BILL HILLSMAN SAID THE PARTY DID NOT PRODUCE JESSE'S WIN BUT IT MIGHT BE ABLE TO BUILD ON IT...
November 5, 1998 - Tuesday's election results mean big changes ahead in state government, and education could be a key test for the new administration. School choice advocates say they don't expect any support from Reform Party Governor Jesse Ventura...but a Republican House should help keep their reforms in place. Teachers say they're counting on one of their own, Ventura's lieutenant governor Mae Schunk, to help address their issues. Schunk, a veteran teacher who's never held elected office, is promising to do good things for public schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... (Sound of cheering)
November 5, 1998 - There has been a lot of head scratching among the Jesse-Ventura-pilloried "experts" about how the reform Party Candidate came to be Minnesota's Governor elect--- particularly in the face of two party-machine-groomed opponents. The Ventura victory has been described as a protest by disenfranchised voters: but Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports it could be more complicated than that.
November 6, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Governor-elect Jesse Ventura about his election victory, the transition to his administration, and the national attention he's been getting. Program begins with Ventura reflecting on election night. Ventura also answers listener questions.
November 6, 1998 - Governor elect Jesse Ventura addressed a statewide radio audience over Minnesota Public Radio today. Ventura covered a broad array of topics, took a few shots at the media and offered a bit of a preview of Governor Venture. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.