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
August 25, 2000 - A new poll finds Mark Dayton leading the pack of DFL US Senate candidates. Dayton was favored by 27 percent of likely primary voters responding to the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, KARE11, and Minnesota Public Radio poll. Mike Ciresi had 18-percent, Jerry Janezich had 17-percent and Rebecca Yanisch had 13-percent. About one-fourth of the respondents were undecided. MPR political analyst Chris Gilbert says Dayton's nine point lead is not massive, given the poll's five point margin of error. But he says in a crowded field it's good to have any lead.
August 25, 2000 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on the “art” of politics at the State Fair. Khoo interviews stops by various campaign booths and interviews various candidates, staffers and fairgoers. Includes excerpts from Mark Dayton, Mike Ciresi, and Rod Grams among others.
August 28, 2000 - The four major DFL Senate candidates squared off at the State Fair in one of the few remaining opportunities for them to try to distinguish themselves before the September 12th primary. Only a handful of differences emerged, and the four seem more willing to attack Republican Senator Rod Grams than each other, despite the fact that one of them has emerged as the leader in the race.
August 29, 2000 - A state-sponsored task force presented a report to governor Jesse Ventura today on the state of Minnesota's minority businesses. The group says minority and immigrant entrepreneurs have a tougher time obtaining financing and other assistance, and suggests several ways the state government can help. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
August 31, 2000 - Senator Paul Wellstone announced legislation that would create a national internet link between shelters for battered women. The idea is based on the 'Day One' program started in Minnesota. So far Day One has not been duplicated in other states. Supporters say the program helps save lives because it allows battered women to find shelters with one call.
August 31, 2000 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports how the race to succeed the retiring Bruce Vento has turned into the state's hottest House race. The tradition of political discourse at the State Fair continued as DFL and Independence Party candidates for the 4th Congressional District seat debated at the Minnesota Public Radio booth.
September 1, 2000 - Governor Jesse Ventura made what he says will be his only visit to this year's State Fair, in contrast to his nonstop campaigning there during the governor's race in 1998. But in addition to extolling the virtues of footlong hotdogs and lemonade, Ventura does some campaigning for his party in endorsing U.S. senate candidate Jim Gibson, and uses his “Lunch With the Governor" radio show to lay out his upcoming political agenda and to poke fun at the other politicians glad-handing at the fair.
September 1, 2000 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on how the veneer of civility disappeared as four DFL candidates for the U.S. senate tore into each other at a Minnesota State Fair debate. The campaign had been relatively quiet, but in an effort to distance herself from the other candidates, Rebecca Yanisch attacked the two frontrunners on gun control and a campaign that has seen little fireworks erupted into finger pointing and accusations.
September 8, 2000 - The senate candidates squared-off during a live debate. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
September 11, 2000 - Legislators and school district leaders are reacting cautiously to Governor Ventura's latest tax proposal. Ventura wants the state to take on a bigger share of public school funding, at the same time reducing the burden now placed on local property taxpayers. But the plan is raising questions about the source of the state funding and the potential loss of local control of schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...