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 13, 2001 - A new poll shows half of Minnesotans support Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone's decision to seek a third term next year. In the first poll since Wellstone announced his re-election plans, Wellstone's job approval is the highest it's been since he took office, but Republicans say he's still vulnerable.
February 15, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton kicked off her re-election campaign with a bus tour designed to highlight the successes of her administration and her plans for a third term.
February 15, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with DFL State Representative Betty Folliard, a supporter of Displaced Homemaker Program, which a Senate committee has unanimously approved a bill that would continue funding. The 23-year-old program is designed to help stay-at-home moms who are widowed, divorced, or abandoned and Folliard says the program is still necessary.
February 16, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports from downtown St. Peter, where Governor Ventura was visiting business owners and residents to pitch his budget proposals and tax reform agenda. Ventura’s plan includes cutting income and property taxes, but raising the sales tax.
February 16, 2001 - A legislative effort to make the fourth "Driving While Intoxicated" charge in ten years a felony cleared a major hurdle today. The Senate Crime Prevention Committee approved the bill sending it on to the finance committee. The same committee also heard testimony for AND AGAINST a proposed tax on alcohol sales in Minnesota to help pay for alcoholism treatment and for enforcement of alcohol related laws. Even the author of the new tax admits the measure has little chance for approval. DFL Senator John Marty says he's hopeful discussion NOW will lead to a so-called alcohol "user" fee in the future. Minnesota Pubic Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports..
February 19, 2001 -
February 19, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg reports on a bill that would limit the governor and other constitutional officers from receiving money for outside work has passed its first major test. The House Governmental Operations Committee approved the bill, and will soon send it to a vote by the full House.
February 20, 2001 - Governor Ventura's press office issued Capitol reporters new credentials today. Reporters already have security passes for the House, Senate and Capitol, but this is the first time the Governor has required a separate credential for covering his activities. The front of each pass declares the wearer an "official jackal." The back reads "the Governor's office reserves the right to revoke this credential for any reason." The Governor's spokesperson, John Wodele, says the credentials are a necessity:
February 28, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that state officials released the latest revenue forecast, which for the first time in nine years shows a drop in projected revenues from the previous forecast. Minnesota lawmakers will have about 600-million dollars less than expected for tax cuts and spending increases over the next two years.
March 5, 2001 - Today we are remembering the life of Harold Stassen who died yesterday at the age of 93. Stassen had a long career in politics. In 1938 at the age of 31 he became the youngest man ever elected governor of Minnesota. One man who knew Stassen throughout his career in politics was Elmer L. Andersen. Andersen, who would also go on to become Minnesota's governor, got his start in politics as a campaign strategist for Stassen in 1938. That's former govenor, Elmer L Anderson. Coming up on MIdday at Noon today, a special tribute to Harold Stassen, who died yesterday at the age of 93.