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
December 27, 2001 - MPR’s Cathy interviews Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, on fight against elder abuse. Klobuchar will announce the results of a program designed to prevent abuse of the elderly. The Senior Initiative is one year old. Its team of four attorneys, an investigator, and a victim advocate has worked on 43 cases so far this year. Klobuchar says they've seen a wide range of crimes.
December 27, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on possible impact of Minnesota Twins leaving the state. Most experts say only a new stadium will prevent the loss of the team. Observers say if Major League Baseball moves ahead with its contraction plans and cuts the Twins before next season, the Twin Cities reputation as a major league city sports location would be in jeopardy. However, economists say the fallout from the loss of the team would be more psychological than economic.
December 28, 2001 - In just a few days R.T. Rybak becomes Mayor of the city of Minneapolis, replacing Sharon Sayles Belton after eight years in that office. In this audio excerpt, Sayles Belton formally said goodbye in remarks made to the city council and city staff in newly renovated Minneapolis City Council chambers.
January 1, 2002 - Saint Paul's new mayor, Randy Kelly, says he hopes all the city's residents will attend at least one of the many inaugural events planned for the rest of the week. In addition to the inaugural ball and a more casual party, Kelly is holding roundtable discussions to help set the tone for his new administration. Once this week's festivities are over, he'll begin the task of leading the capital city through budgetary challenges. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
January 1, 2002 - R.T. Rybak talks about how St. Paul and Minneapolis needs to come together and put aside the jokes, housing in Minneapolis, and how things need to change at City Hall.
January 2, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on R.T. Rybak taking oath as new Minneapolis Mayor. A Minneapolis City Hall ceremony installed the new mayor and a city council with more newcomers than veterans. Mayor Rybak promises an era of new openness and cooperation in city government. The day also included surprises as the council's elected its new leadership.
January 2, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on R.T. Rybak’s first day as mayor. A mix of optimism and harsh economic reality greet the new Minneapolis mayor and city councilmembers who are to be sworn in. R.T. Rybak's first day in office promises to be filled with ceremony, reflection and celebration. But his administration is also confronted with the urgent task of eliminating five million dollars’ worth of city services while the possibility of even greater cuts looms.
January 2, 2002 - Randy Kelly is interviewed and a view of his 100-day agenda is given.
January 3, 2002 - Norm Coleman was an avid promoter of Saint Paul during his eight years as mayor ... and no part of the city was touted more heavily than the Mississippi riverfront, which enjoyed a development surge. As Randy Kelly takes over the mayor's office from Coleman, river boosters may wonder how the Father of Waters rates among Kelly's priorities. Last night (Wed), the new mayor used one of his inauguration week events to emphasize the importance of the riverfront in his plans for Saint Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
January 3, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum provides a collection of political commentary regarding Governor Ventura’s upcoming final State of the State address of his term. In a break with tradition, Ventura will speak from the Governor's Residence with no live audience present. The governor says he'll focus on the state budget and the projected nearly two-billion dollar deficit.