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 15, 1999 - Five weeks into the legislative session, the Minnesota House has passed nearly a dozen bills, including a tax rebate and a repeal of residency requirements for Minneapolis /St. Paul city employees. One first-term legislator co-authored both bills. DFL'er Ann Lenczewski of Bloomington is adjusting to the hectic pace at the Capitol, but is already catching some flak from her caucus for her non-partisan style.
February 16, 1999 - Under most circumstances, weapons are banned in state buildings. But the governor obtained the permission to carry a concealed weapon at the capitol from Charlie Weaver, the commissioner of public safety. Republican Senator Gary Laidig is critical of that decision and has asked for a legislative hearing this Friday to look into the matter. We invited Laidig and Commissioner Weaver into our studios to discuss the Governor's safety. Laidig says he supports gun rights, but not at the state capitol, where school children frequently fill the corridors.
February 16, 1999 - Two weeks ago, Governor Ventura got permission to carry a concealed weapon at the capitol. Ventura said he wanted the gun permit because his state security guards can't be with him at all times. The decision continues to generate a lot of local discussion. Here's a sampling of opinion gathered at one St. Paul gas station.
February 18, 1999 - Governor Ventura took a break from the state capitol today and took his show on the road to the small town of Delano, about half an hour west of Minneapolis . Ventura says he's beginning to feel isolated from the people who elected hi,m and he made the trip to get back in touch with the grassroots.
February 19, 1999 - Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone and Republican Senator Rod Grams squared off for the first time ina public debate over social security. Their audience was the membership of the NorthMetro Chamber of Commerce.
February 22, 1999 - A "Talk of Minnesota" program, presenting the views of MPR listeners on how Governor Ventura is doing his job. A preview to the next hour's live broadcast from the National Press Club.
February 22, 1999 - Governor Ventura brought his particular brand of populism to a national political audience in Washington D.C. today. Ventura spoke to a sold-out crowd at the National Press Club. In a half-hour speech, he told the story of his surprise election, from the initial conference in his barn where he decided to run, to the shock of his victory last November. After his speech, Ventura answered reporters questions about whether other independent candidates who don't have his name recognition and celebrity status can do what he did.
February 22, 1999 - A small cut in the state's 23-billion-dollar budget has business people and organized labor concerned. Governor Jesse Ventura's budget removes funding for a 60-year old apprentice training program that turns out thousands of new trade workers each year. Some worry the ranks of skilled workers are already at risk, and the shortage will be exacerbated by the cut.
February 23, 1999 - Governor Ventura finished his visit to Washington D.C. today after by meeting over lunch with Minnesota's congressional delegation. The Minnesota members of congress say they got along well with Ventura, but they disagreed over the federal governments' role in funding public schools.
February 24, 1999 - Members of St. Paul's Irish community say Governor Ventura must apologize for his comments on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last night. The Governor took this swipe at St. Paul as he explained why he preferred Minneapolis , the city where he was born.