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
May 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is bringing together leading experts on biotechnology for a summit next week in Minneapolis. Biotechnology is a big priority for Pawlenty. He's pushed for biotech tax-free zones and has encouraged the U of M and the Mayo Clinic to form a biotechnology partnership. The summit, which starts Monday, will bring together business leaders, scientists, and educators. Heath Lukatch, managing director of Piper Jaffray Ventures based in San Francisco will also be there to provide a national perspective.
May 9, 2003 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on a Minnesota House Committee has voted to sell state land lying within the Federal Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. But it's raised fierce opposition from the environmental community and from within the Legislature. Report includes various speaking and interview clips.
May 12, 2003 -
May 12, 2003 - The cold, rainy weekend didn't dampen Governor Tim Pawlenty's enthusiasm for fishing. The governor was in Detroit Lakes for the traditional walleye opener. He says it was a fun, relaxing weekend. Now it's back to work, and the last hectic week of the legislative session. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
May 12, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty convened more than 600 scientists, entrepreneurs, and executives in Minneapolis today for the "Governor's Biosciences Summit." Pawlenty told the crowd Minnesota has the people and ideas to be a biotech leader. "Biotechnology" involves using living organisms to make anything from medicines to plastic. Critics of the governor say Minnesota may have a tough time competing, and Pawlenty should focus on more important priorities. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
May 12, 2003 - A Midday broadcast of four former Minnesota governors (Arne Carlson, Wendell Anderson, Elmer L. Andersen, and Al Quie) speaking at the 2003 Freeman Forum - Community, Consensus & the Common Good.
May 13, 2003 -
May 14, 2003 - MPR’s Nikki Tundel speaks with Erich Mische, the state director for U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, about a St. Paul high school student facing deportation. Tchisou Tho was scheduled for deportation just 22 days before he would have become the first in his family to graduate from high school, but won a delay that will allow him to graduate with his classmates in June.
May 20, 2003 - Minnesota Lawmakers will return to the Capitol this morning for a special session. They ended the regular session at midnight last night, after passing just a small portion of the state budget. The House and Senate sent two budget bills to the governor, repealed the state's Profile of Learning graduation standards and passed a 2 a.m. bar closing bill. But the final hours of the session were marked by a bitter fight on the Senate floor which prevented a Prairie Island bill from a vote. We've heard from the lawmakers. Joining us now is Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
May 20, 2003 - Lawmakers at the state Capitol ran out of time in regular session to finish all their work, including a bonding bill. Senate DFLers wanted the bill this year and Gov. Tim Pawlenty agreed to it when DFLers gave up on their fight to raise some state taxes to limit deep spending cuts. The two sides agreed on a $175 million bonding bill but have yet to develop a plan on what construction projects to include. DFLers hope they can use some of that money for projects former Gov. Jesse Ventura cut from last year's bonding bill. Joining us on the line is DFL Sen. Keith Langseth, chair of the Senate Capitol Investment Committee.