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
May 9, 2001 - On his third day in Minnesota, the Dalai Lama addressed a joint meeting of the Minnesota Legislature, touching on his constant themes of human rights, faith and each person's responsibility to make personal change. He also met with Governor Ventura, and made his third public speech at the University of Minnesota.
May 11, 2001 - Jane Ranum, author of the state senate's racial profiling bill INTRO: The Minnesota state senate has developed a compromised plan to combat racial profiling. The Senate Finance Committee approved the plan where the state offers law enforcement agencies money for video cameras for their squad cars. But to get the money, law enforcement agencies would have to have their officers collect data about traffic stops. Joining us on the line is Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Ranum of Minneapolis. -- How much money is involved? -- How would it work? -- How many law enforcement agencies want to participate in this? -- What about the House? How will the two sides come to an agreement on a plan? What could that agreement look like? -- Why didn't the state senate agree to have mandatory data collection?
May 11, 2001 - Republican Jim Abler owns two buildings, leased to charter school parents. In the 1999-2000 session, he broke public trust when he voted for the state to give money to charter schools. It was a matter of conflict of interest.
May 11, 2001 - The Minnesota House has voted 89-to-43 for a six-point-three billion dollar health and human services funding bill that includes a 24-hour abortion waiting period. Governor Jesse Ventura says he'll veto the entire bill if it arrives on his desk with the abortion provision. His veto would cut off state funding for programs ranging from nursing homes to welfare on July 1. Supporters of the waiting period say Ventura should reconsider his threat. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
May 14, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the stalemate over an abortion waiting period that continues at the Capitol. A massive health and human services spending bill that contains the controversial provision is languishing on Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum's desk, delaying an almost-certain gubernatorial veto. Both sides in the abortion debate are accusing each other of playing politics.
May 14, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports on a House committee approving a package that removes most of the public subsidies from the ballpark plan. The Twins say it's doubtful they would support such a deal, but they say they were encouraged by the suggestion they study the financing plan used for the Minnesota Wild hockey arena.
May 14, 2001 - Lawmakers at the Minnesota capitol have until one week from today to wrap up the session. Among other things, that means agreeing on a tax bill, a health and human services bill, and possibly a Twins stadium bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum is on the line now.
May 14, 2001 - Marv Koep, the fishing guide for Governor Ventura's fishing opener, discusses what he is expecting and how he is preparing for the big day. He says he's excited to have such a colorful governor in his charge, but he's also a little nervous.
May 14, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy about politics and a new documentary about his life, titled “I'm Sorry I Was Right.” McCarthy also answers listener questions.
May 15, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura has vetoed a sweeping health and human services bill because it contained an abortion waiting period. Meanwhile, the DFL-controlled Senate narrowly rejected the waiting period while working up a backup health and human services package.