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
November 15, 2001 - State Senator Becky Lourey (LORR-ee) officially entered the 2002 governor's race today (THURSDAY). The DFL'er from northern Minnesota says she's running for governor because the state needs a leader, not a celebrity. Governor Ventura hasn't said whether he's running for a second term. A year before the election, Lourey is the first Democrat to formally announce a gubernatorial bid, but she won't be the last. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
November 16, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minneapolis businessman Harvey MacKay about a group of state business leaders that will meet with Governor Jesse Ventura to discuss the future of the Minnesota Twins. The group is working on a proposal to buy the team from owner Carl Pohlad. They're also exploring ways to get a new ballpark.
November 19, 2001 - Thirty years ago the fight to improve the lives of the nation's children looked much as it does today, according to child welfare advocates. Former Vice-President Walter Mondale and a panel of experts reflected on the failed Child and Family Services Act of 1971.
November 20, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews John Wodele, communications director for Governor Ventura, about projected state budget shortfall. Finance Commissioner Pam Wheelock says the projected budget shortfall could be as high as one billion dollars when the revenue forecast is announced. The Ventura administration is asking state agencies to plan for budget cuts of up to 10%.
November 21, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Peter Hutchinson, the former finance commissioner under DFL Governor Rudy Perpich, about the fact that for the first time in years, budget cuts are likely for the state government. The Ventura administration is telling state department heads and others agencies to find spending cuts of up to 10% in their budgets.
November 21, 2001 - Governor Ventura says that Minnesota is well-prepared for a terrorist, but after reviewing its policies after September 11th, a few changes are recommended. Ventura says that there are three things that terrorists need in order to be successful: money, identification, and information.
November 22, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews DFL State Senator Linda Berglin, chair of the Health, Human Services, and Corrections Budget committee, about the Ventura administration unveiling its plan for fighting terrorism. It includes more wiretap authority for the government, limits on public access to sensitive information, and broader authority to quarantine citizens in the event of a bioterrorist incident.
November 26, 2001 - Some of the National Guard troops assigned to protect the nation's airports say they need better personal financial protection while serving their country. Many citizen soldiers took a big pay cut when they were called up to active duty. U.S. Senators Paul Wellstone and Mark Dayton say they plan to push for changes in federal law to prevent the guard troops from losing their homes or piling up extra debt.
November 27, 2001 - Some of the state's leading experts on business, safety and health gathered at the University of Minnesota today (Tuesday) to discuss the lingering effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The forum was organized by Minnesota congressmen Martin Sabo and James Oberstar. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
November 28, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson talks with Steven Wagner, one of three St. Cloud professors who released results from a St. Cloud State University poll that shows Governor Ventura's approval rating has dropped sharply. 44% of respondents rated Ventura's overall performance as "excellent" or "pretty good." That's down from 63% the year prior.