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 23, 2001 - Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone is cautiously optimistic about news that Senator James Jeffords of Vermont is leaving the Republican party. Jeffords' aides say he'll announce tomorrow that he's becoming an independent. Wellstone says the switch would be good for Democrats AND Minnesota:
June 6, 2001 - In the US Senate, Democrats are in control today for the first time in seven years. The switch means Minnesota Senators Paul Wellstone and Mark Dayton move from working in the minority... to the majority. The switch is a result of Vermont Senator Jim Jefford's decision to leave the Republicans, and declare himself an Independent. Joining us on the line to talk about the switch and what it means for Minnesota is Senator Mark Dayton.
June 7, 2001 - Hubert Humphrey's former press secretary Norman Sherman told the audience at today's Mondale lecture that Humphrey's personality played a key role in his success as a Senator. Sherman remembered how Humphrey instructed his staff to be nice to their political opponents - key Southern senators angry at Humphrey for his support of civil rights.
June 8, 2001 - Walter Mondale's tribute to his mentor Hubert Humphrey from the ongoing 50 Years: Mondale Lectures on Public Service, held at the University of Minnesota.
June 8, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports on political and business commentary regarding trade with Japan. Minnesota business leaders and experts on Japan convened to discuss the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Japan. The country is Minnesota's second-largest trading partner, and the state's exports to Japan are growing.
June 21, 2001 - Democrats introduce a new bill at the capitol called Lights On. It would fund government at current levels and a 3% inflation increase. The bill is not accepted by all politicians.
June 25, 2001 - The Independence Party of Minnesota is now under new management. The Party is trying to pick itself up, after falling into debt, and failing to elect any candidates for the legislature last year. All of that despite electing Governor Jesse Ventura 3 years ago on what was then called the Reform Party Ticket. The Governor and his allies split away from the Reform Party last year... and re-named themselves the Independence Party which held its state convention over the weekend. That's where they chose Jack Uldrich as its new chairman. He joins us on the line now.
June 27, 2001 - For a closer look at what's included in the new tax bill, we called Dan Salomone, executive director of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association. He says the bill represents historic reform and is a victory for Governor Ventura:
June 28, 2001 - The House and Senate today overwhelmingly passed a 760(M) million dollar tax bill that includes broad property-tax reforms. Ventura plans to sign the bill tomorrow. The tax bill was the biggest sticking point in the legislative budget impasse but work at the capitol is far from over. Lawmakers still haven't finished four major spending bills and the Department of Employee Relations has already begun shutting down some government services. Julien Carter is overseeing the shutdown process. He says he's watching action at the Capitol closely as he proceeds with shutdown plans:
July 2, 2001 - One of the most contentious issues of this legislative session was the debate over how much to spend for public colleges and universities. Governor Ventura said the state couldn't afford to give everyone all the money they wanted. Some lawmakers say the governor made a big mistake and the lean budget will take a tollon the state's economic development engine. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports: