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
March 14, 2001 - Norm Coleman used his final State of the City speech to take an imaginary journey through Saint Paul in the year 2004. The technique allowed Coleman - who is not seeking a third term as mayor - to count as successes a number of projects still in the works and some that are not even that far along, including three new professional sports facilities. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
March 19, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Minnesota's eldest former Governor Elmer Andersen address to the Senate, one of only two times in recent memory a former statesman has been invited to speak on the Senate floor. Anderson’s speech was of humor and seriousness regarding the budget. The 91-year-old Andersen used his half-hour speech to reminisce about politics and criticize Governor Ventura's budget.
March 19, 2001 - The Minnesota House is expected to pass a budget resolution this week. It will be one of the first concrete indications of the House's spending priorities for the session. The legislature is about halfway through its five-month session, in which its main job is to come up with a two-year budget. Joining us now for a look at the week ahead is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief, Laura McCallum.
March 20, 2001 - A House committee will consider a bill later this week to allow grocery stores to sell wine. 32 states around the country allow wine to be sold in the supermarket. Critics of bill say that it will make it harder to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage drinkers. Joining us on the line is Barb Sykora (sih-CORE-ah), the sponsor of the bill and a Republican from Excelsior. State Representative Barb Sykora, a Republican from Excelsior.
March 21, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura said he's strongly considering asking the Legislature to change state law to bar teachers from striking. At an education forum in St. Louis Park, Ventura suggested putting teachers in the category of Essential State Employees, same as policemen and firefighters.
March 26, 2001 - Friday is the first committee deadline at the Minnesota Legislature. That means most bills will have to clear policy committees in at least one house by the end of the week to stay alive. Joining us with a preview of the week ahead is Minnesota Public Radio's Capital Bureau Chief, Laura McCallum.
March 26, 2001 - The Equal Rights Amendment is getting another chance in Congress. Last week, more than 160 members signed onto the legislation... which would give women equal protection under the consitution. The E-R-A was first introduced in 1923, and despite its repeated RE-introduction, has never achieved the level of support necessary for ratification. 4th district representative Betty McCallum is one of the bill's sponsors this session. She says its time to make the E-R-A a reality:
March 27, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo gives a summary report on Governor Jesse Ventura’s appearance on Midday. The governor staked out positions on a host of proposals now under consideration at the state Legislature. Ventura commented on loosening restrictions on carrying a handgun, alcohol sales in grocery stores, and legal sports betting.
March 27, 2001 - MPR's Laura McCallum reports that just days before the first legislative committee deadline, abortion bills are gaining strength at the Capitol. Bills to create a special "Choose Life" license plate and to create a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could get an abortion passed their first legislative hurdles, but Governor Ventura says he'll veto both bills if they land on his desk.
March 27, 2001 - Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone has pushed through an amendment that could prove critical to the prospects for the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform package. Wellstone's provision would ban ads by special interest groups in the weeks leading up to an election. Critics on both sides of the aisle say the amendment may violate the right to free speech. And some of campaign finance reform's biggest foes voted for the amendment- hoping the constitutional questions it raises will weaken the final bill. Wellstone says his amendment is an important piece of campaign finance reform.