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
June 3, 2002 - TThe Guthrie Theater Board today voted to go ahead with preparations for its proposed 125-million dollar theater complex on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. But it delayed groundbreaking on the project until it has a guarantee of state bonding money. Governor Ventura stripped twenty-four million dollars earmarked for the Guthrie from the state bonding bill. The Guthrie and advocates for other projects vetoed by Ventura hope the legislature will pass a special bonding bill next year. Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling says legislative interest in the project remains high.
June 6, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that members of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission could vote on a proposed settlement with Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins. The commission, which owns and operates the Metrodome, filed suit against the two entities after the league announced that it wanted to eliminate two teams. No teams were named, but the Twins were considered a top candidate.
June 7, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Jesse Ventura departs for a week-long trade mission to China. Roughly 100 government and business leaders will join Ventura to help promote Minnesota products and services in the world's most populous country.
June 11, 2002 - Governor Jesse Ventura has just finished a meeting with high-level Chinese officials to discuss the future of trade relations between Minnesota and China. The meeting comes on Ventura's third day in China where he's on a week-long mission to promote Minnesota products and services. Earlier in the day Ventura toured a Hormel processing plant and held it up as a success story. MPR's Michael Khoo is on the road with the governor and he joins us now from Beijing. For much more on the Governor's trip to China, visit our web site, Minnesota Public Radio dot org. The time is 25 minutes past 7:00.
June 11, 2002 - NOTE: HOST OUTCUE) HOST: Governor Jesse Ventura is once again on the move. He'll head from Beijing, China, to Shanghai late tonight (TUESDAY) for the next leg of his week-long Chinese trade mission. Earlier today Minnesota time, Ventura sat down with top-level Chinese government officials to lay out a road map for further economic cooperation between Minnesota and China. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo is traveling with the governor and has this report.
June 12, 2002 - MPR's Laura McCallum reports that Minnesota Republicans will be endorsing a candidate for governor and the race is a close one between entrepreneur Brian Sullivan and legislative leader Tim Pawlenty. Sullivan holds a slight lead in the party's non-binding straw polls of delegates.
June 12, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on the final Republican debate before the state's party convention later this week. House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty of Eagan, and Orono businessman Brian Sullivan are engaged in a close race to win the party's endorsement. Both candidates say they'll drop out of the race if delegates choose their opponent.
June 12, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with reporter Michael Khoo, who is in Shanghai, where Governor Jesse Ventura arrived for the second and final stop on his week-long mission to China. Ventura is visiting China to develop contacts and to promote Minnesota goods and services.
June 13, 2002 - The Republican Party holds its state convention this week and the main order of business will be endorsing a candidate for governor. There are two candidates vying for the endorsement, Orono businessman Brian Sullivan and House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty of Eagan. Both candidates say they'll abide by the parties endorsement which could make things interesting since recent straw polls show the two are in a virtual dead heat. This week we're profiling both candidates. Today we'll look at Tim Pawlenty, who says his experience and background are the main reasons delegates should choose him. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
June 13, 2002 - Tonight (Thursday evening) Republican party activists will formally endorse former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman for US Senate. Republicans are beginning their state convention this evening at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Top republicans from President Bush on down are banking on Coleman to unseat two term DFL Senator Paul Wellstone. It's a campaign of stark ideological contrasts, even though the last time Wellstone ran, Coleman was a Democrat. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...