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
January 4, 1999 - Governor-elect Jesse Ventura kicked off two weeks of inaugural activities over the weekend. On Saturday, he released a bald eagle at the Isaac Walton Reserve in Brooklyn Park, then had a potluck lunch with Twin Cities-area farmers, which organizers billed as "Ag 101". Ventura didn't spend much time campaigning on agricultural issues, but is trying to get up to speed quickly on farm policy.
January 4, 1999 - Jesse Ventura is now the Governor of Minnesota. Ventura was sworn into office today in a traditional inaugural ceremony at the State Capitol, marked by the presence of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and several hundred enthusiastic Ventura supporters. Ventura promised to be honest with Minnesotans, and to try to keep young voters involved in politics.
January 4, 1999 - Media from around the world and across the nation covered the inauguration today, continuing their fascination with Jesse Ventura.
January 4, 1999 - 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Live Coverage of the Inauguration of Governor Jesse Ventura. We'll have live coverage of all the color and ceremony.... the swearing in of Governor Ventura and Lt. Governor Schunk and the other constitutional officers and live interviews with former Governors, the Speaker-elect Steve Sviggum and Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe. Also includes Wendell Anderson and Al Quie.
January 4, 1999 - The inauguration at the capitol today was a star-studded event. Dignitaries from Minnesota and across the country gathered to wish Jesse Ventura well in his first term. We'll hear from Former Governor Wendell Anderson, Former Republican Governor Al Quie, national Reform Party chair Russ Verney and Arnold Schwartzenegger's. Ventura's friend and frequent movie co-star says the Ventura administration will not disappoint Minnesotans.
January 5, 1999 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Governor Jesse Ventura, who discusses officially taking on his new role. Topics include local politics, social programs, taxes, regulations, and Governor’s residence. Ventura also answers listener questions.
January 5, 1999 - (For Tuesday a.m. - Pair with Martin's piece) For the first time in Minnesota history, the two new caucus leaders in the House both hail from the suburbs. But it's even more unusual that the two grew up on the same street in South St. Paul. Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (puh-LEN-tee) of Eagan and Minority Leader Tom Pugh (PEW) of South St. Paul also share a similar style - less partisan, more moderate - and the two attorneys remain friends, despite their political differences. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Tim Pawlenty and Tom Pugh grew up seven houses apart o
January 6, 1999 - Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura made a flurry of appointments today as he tries to fill dozens of vacancies in his new administration.
January 6, 1999 - As the state legislative session begins, many interest groups are still waiting to see what stands Governor Jesse Ventura will take on specific issues but supporters of industrial hemp already know exactly how the governor stands on their issue. During his campaign, Ventura spoke out clearly in favor of legalizing industrial hemp, and he's reaffirmed his position since then. Hemp promoters now see new hope for what they call a promising and environmentally friendly alternative crop.
January 7, 1999 - Minnesota's senators reflect the partisan split heading into the senate trial of President Clinton beginning today. The senators will take their oath as jurors later today. A full trial could take as long as six months. Some senators have proposed a limited trial, followed by a test-vote to see if there are the votes needed to remove the president from office. Democrats like Paul Wellstone say there's no way Republicans have the 67 votes needed to convict the president. Wellstone says the senate should limit the process to a two-week period.