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 11, 1999 - Senator Paul Wellstone is leading the charge in congress to open the entire impeachment trial of President Clinton to the public. Under the current Senate rules, some key testimony could come behind closed doors. Wellstone and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin plan to introduce what they're calling a "sunshine motion." Wellstone says its important the process be fully accountable to the American public.
January 12, 1999 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota's DFL U.S. senator, discusses his decision not to run for U.S. president and his view of outcome on Senate impeachment trial. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
January 12, 1999 - On MPR and Public Television last night, Governor Ventura declared the state should use SALES taxes as the guideline for returning the budget surplus to taxpayers. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, the Governor's comment has had an immediate effect at the state capitol.
January 13, 1999 - Governor Ventura filled three of the most important and visible jobs in his administration today. The commissioners of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Children, Families & Learning.
January 13, 1999 - A Senate committee today approved a repeal of Minnesota's contentious ban on snowmobile studs. Angry snowmobilers warn of more accidents and lost tourism dollars if they can't use the carbide-tipped studs, while trail users argue studs will hack up the state's paved trails.
January 14, 1999 - Governor Ventura today proposed a sales tax rebate plan which he says will get more money to the middle class than the House Republicans' income tax rebates would. Republicans say they'll keep an open mind, but they don't like the limits Ventura is putting on the size of rebates for wealthy Minnesotans.
January 14, 1999 - The state chair of the Minnesota DFL is calling for a major party overhaul, in the wake of November election losses. Dick Senese's plan would streamline the caucus system, gut the party endorsement, and even change the party's name. Some party activists are already raising objections over the proposal.
January 14, 1999 - State legislators have begun discussing ways to lower class sizes in Minnesota schools. Governor Ventura says class-size reduction is among his top priorities. He's convinced it can help students learn. But some researchers question the impact of class sizes on learning, and the Governor's goal could be more than the state can afford.
January 15, 1999 - Governor Ventura has outlined an education agenda that could add hundreds of millions of dollars to K-12 education. The Governor is also taking a new approach to his plan for lowering class sizes in the early grades.
January 18, 1999 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Jesse Ventura’s lively inaugural bash as the 38th governor of Minnesota. Segment includes sounds and music clips from the event.