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
April 24, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura says he does not want to close the governor's mansion on Summit Avenue. He had considered closing the mansion since he has chosen not to move in there and the costs to keep it open were problematic due to legislative budget cuts.
April 25, 2002 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews Paul Ostrow, president of Minneapolis City Council, on lack of support on council to buy out of police chief’s contract. Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson will keep his job for now. City Council President Paul Ostrow says there isn't enough support on the council to buy out the two years remaining on the chief's contract. Last week, Mayor R.T. Rybak said he had lost confidence in Olson. Now, he says he will work with the chief if he needs to. Ostrow says dozens of Minneapolis residents have called the city to voice support for the chief. Ostrow also states that cost of buying out the contract was a big issue.
April 25, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that the Minnesota Senate passed a bill that would require students to recite the pledge of allegiance in school at least once a week. Supporters say the bill would help teach patriotism to children, but opponents say the state shouldn't force students to recite the pledge.
April 26, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on reaction from Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s attempt to oust him from position. Olson says that he has no intention of moving on. Rybak had requested Olson leave, followed by a failed attempt from Rybak on getting votes from Minneapolis City Council.
April 26, 2002 - The Sullivan/Scavel ticket is now a hot topic. Scavel will serve as a representative for farmers and teachers.
April 29, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on potential closing of governor's mansion. Many are upset, including Olivia Irvine Dodge and her sister. They donated their father's mansion on Summit Avenue to the state in 1965.
April 30, 2002 - The state DFL party holds its convention this weekend, and the main business of the 1300 delegates will be to choose a candidate for governor. Three candidates are seeking the endorsement: State Auditor Judi Dutcher and state Senators Roger Moe and Becky Lourey. They all say they'll abide by the delegates' decision. This week we'll take a look at each of the three candidates starting with State Auditor Judi Dutcher, who says she represents the future of the Minnesota DFL. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
April 30, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Mike Hatch and others view that Governor Ventura cannot close the mansion even if the legislature will not give him enough money. If Ventura does not live in it, then staff needs to be hired to live there in order to prevent vandalism and to keep it clean.
April 30, 2002 - Republican gubernatorial candidates Brian Sullivan and Tim Pawlenty both say they would protect Minnesota's legacy of caring and maintaining the environment. The candidates spoke last night Helms reports.
April 30, 2002 - More than 20 lawmakers have announced that they will not run again and even more are expected to announce they will retired at the end of the session.