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
November 3, 1999 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that St. Paul residents overwhelmingly rejected a sales tax increase to pay for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in the city's downtown. After a summer of sometimes contentious debate, voters defeated the proposal 58% to 42%.
November 3, 1999 - Governor Ventura is just starting his second full day of his ten day trade mission to Japan. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste is in Tokyo with the Governor and has more on today's itenerary.
November 3, 1999 - Saint Cloud area residents said no yesterday to a half percent sales tax increase for a proposed regional events center. The referendum was also tied to other regional amenties like park improvements and a remodeled regional library. Officials say they're now looking for ways to fund the library and parks.
November 3, 1999 - Election results in Duluth brought significant turnover among city council and school board members, with both bodies likely taking on a more labor-friendly and liberal tone. But labor-endorsed candidates did not sweep either body, and some extremely close votes had candidates pondering the mixed messages voters sent. Voters' intentions were clearer in races for mayor and state legislature were more sweeping: Mayor Gary Doty easily won a third term, and D-F-Ler Dale Swapinski won Willard Munger Senior's former legislative seat by a wide margin.
November 4, 1999 - Governor Ventura will sell Minnesota's agriculture and basketball today on his fourth day in Japan. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste is travelling with the governor:
November 8, 1999 - Governor Ventura entertained Japanese tour directors last night with the help of the Beach Boys. The Northwest Airlines/Mall of America party was designed to help attract more Japanese tourists. The Governor seems fond of the Japanese, and likes to point out to the Minnesota media pool that he's been there before, unlike many of them. In a one-on-one interview with the Governor, Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste asked him about his affinity for Japan and the Japanese.
November 8, 1999 - Governor Ventura visited a model Tokyo High School early this morning, and, as usual, he was a big hit with the kids. His philosophy of smaller class sizes was also popular among the students, who say Japan might have something to learn from the U.S. when it comes to giving children individualized attention.
November 9, 1999 - In a few hours, it will be Wednesday morning in Japan, the day Governor Ventura returns to Minnesota. Ventura spent the last day and half finising up business in Tokyo, then riding the Bullet Train to the industrial city of Osaka for an overnight visit on his way home. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, the Governor seems to be very satisfied with the way his Japan trip has gone.
November 17, 1999 - A proposal to temporarily halt mergers in agribusiness, put forth on the Senate floor by Minnesota's Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone, went down in clear defeat today. But the issue is far from dead on Capitol Hill. Emily Harris reports from Washington.
November 29, 1999 - Mankato residents will have to sort through no fewer than a dozen candidates in an upcoming special election for mayor. Typically a candidate's political philosophy can be the most important factor in a race. But when Mankato residents elect a new mayor in February, their stand on a controversial railroad expansion will be centerstage.