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
January 11, 2002 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that a tri-partisan stadium task force has given its informal endorsement to a state role in building new stadiums for the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings, and the University of Minnesota Gophers. During a meeting in Mankato, the panel opted to support the concept of public financing for a stadium, while steering clear of direct subsidization. Sorting through the details is likely to remain a formidable task.
January 11, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Ventura’s response to critics over his budget plan. According to governor, sacrifice needs to be made by all parts of the budget and he invites suggestions to improve it. Republicans debate higher tax on gasoline and tobacco, while Democrats want more money for education.
January 14, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Gene Merriam, a former DFL state senator, and long-time chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, about the concept of bonding bills.
January 15, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Ventura is inclined to run for governor again to continue his fight for “unicameralism.” The push to combining the two bodies of legislature into one has been a personal drive for the governor. He believes that if the two bodies are one, or unicameral, the government would run more efficiently.
January 15, 2002 - R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, used the term "difficult" to describe the next three months. Rybak is trying to get the Minneapolis budget back on track as he begins his term as mayor.
January 15, 2002 - A proposal for two new stadiums will be voted on this year, but there is concern that there is only a vague proposal about how the stadiums will be funded. MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on debate going on within Stadium Task Force.
January 16, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Jim Miller, the executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities, about how Ventura's budget proposal would affect city budgets. Governor Ventura released his plans for closing a nearly two billion dollar projected shortfall last week, and they included cuts in local government aid.
January 16, 2002 - The Stadium Task Force presents it’s recommendations to Minnesota Legislature, with panel voting 13-4 on option of financing two new sports stadiums, and public financing for new facilities, as opposed to funding. The loan would be repaid to the state through a variety of revenue services.
January 16, 2002 - Minnesota U-S Senator Mark Dayton today met with interim Afghan leader Hamid Karzai during his tour of Central Asia. Dayton, a D-F-L'er, says the U-S should provide 50-Million dollars in immediate aid to Afghanistan. Dayton and members of the congressional delegation have also had meetings with Pakistani leaders--including President General Pervez Musharraf (pur-VEHZ' moo-SHAH'-ruhv)--to discuss the war on terrorism. Dayton says the purpose of the trip is to give U-S lawmakers the opportunity to see the region first-hand:
January 16, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Mee Moua, who won a DFL primary for the District 67 state Senate seat last night, beating state Representative Tim Mahoney and three other DFL candidates. Moua discusses education and housing.