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
October 23, 2001 - Governor Ventura took some verbal shots at the state's two largest employee unions, the media and the legislature today. The Governor spoke on MPR's Midmorning with Katherine Lanpher. Ventura says he thinks state employees should be prohibited from going on strike.
October 24, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes presents a profile on Minneapolis Mayor Sayles Belton, who is in a tough campaign as she runs for a third term. Report includes interviews from numerous individuals on their views of her accomplishments and governance.
October 25, 2001 - Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty is proposing a new funding source to jump-start road and bridge construction. Pawlenty -- who serves as House Majority Leader -- wants to sell the state's claim to 25 years' worth of tobacco settlement claims for an upfront price of 1-point-5 billion dollars. He says the proceeds would accelerate transportation projects statewide. But critics say the move would divert funds from other state needs. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
October 29, 2001 - On November 6th, there's only one election for state office. Voters in Morrison and southern Crow Wing counties will replace veteran DFL legislator Steve Wenzel. Wenzel resigned this spring for a job with the U.S. Agriculture Department. Republican Greg Blaine and DFLer Helen McLennan, both of Little Falls, want to represent people in House District 12B. Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich reports from a region rediscovering its political identity.
October 30, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee is calling on state agencies to get tougher with the state's health care providers. The committee held a hearing on Attorney General Mike Hatch's audit of Allina Health Systems.
November 2, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, who shares his views on numerous political and social topics. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
November 5, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report of Minneapolis mayoral debate at a Minnesota Public Radio forum. Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton forcefully fights for her political career in the final days before the election, squaring off against challenger R.T. Rybak. In debate, Sayles Belton questioned Rybak's promise to shun campaign donations by those with business interests in city hall. She also strongly defended her administration against Rybak's accusation that the city is mismanaged.
November 6, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the studio to answer MPR listener questions. Jesse Ventura talks about the Twins, stadiums, the end of tax rebates, and the election. During program, Ventura gets into a lively discussion with a caller regarding stadium and tax dollars.
November 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura’s stance against public funding on a new stadium for Minnesota Twins. His view and actions have drawn criticism from some voters and fellow politicians.
November 6, 2001 - Midday talks with guest Gov. Jesse Ventura who talks to talk about issues including the Twins, stadiums, the war and tax rebates. Listeners call in with questions.