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 29, 2003 - People suffering from drug or alcohol addictions could get better access to treatement under a federal bill recently introduced in the U-S House and Senate. Late Senator Paul Wellstone first pushed the proposal, which would assure people with private insurance that their policies would cover treatment for addiction... just as they would for a physical illness. Now Senator Norm Coleman and Congressman Jim Ramstad are supporting the legislation, and will promote it later today along with William Moyers... Vice President of External Affairs at Hazelden Foundation, a renowned drug and alcohol treatment center. Mr. Moyers joins us on the line this morning.
June 2, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty and DFL legislative leaders will be travelling around the state today. Lawmakers adjourned late last week, after fixing a projected 4.2 billion dollar shortfall without raising taxes. Democrats were critical of the budget plan, while Republican got nearly everything they wanted this session. Joining us now is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief, Laura McCallum.
June 2, 2003 -
June 3, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders took their differing opinions of the legislative session across the state yesterday . The Legislature adjourned a ten-day special session on Thursday night by finalizing a budget that erases a four-point-two billion dollar deficit without raising state taxes. Both Pawlenty and Senate DFLers are using their separate tours to differentiate their ideas. Meanwhile, Minnesotans are already forming opinions about the budget. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
June 9, 2003 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews Rick Kahn, who reflects on his controversial eulogy at Paul Wellstone memorial service and the political fallout.
June 12, 2003 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former Minnesota U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy on past and current presidential campaigns, candidates, and the Presidency of George W. Bush. McCarthy also answers listener questions.
June 16, 2003 - Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty joins host Gary Eichten in the MPR studios to discuss current events and answer listener questions. We discuss upcoming trade trip, and other issues facing Minnesota and the nation.
June 25, 2003 - Residents are assessing the damage and beginning the clean up in Buffalo Lake Minnesota. Tuesday night a tornado ripped through the small west central Minnesota town, damaging or destroying several businesses and homes. Governor Tim Pawlenty surveyed the damage early today. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 2, 2003 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, on hiring a new police chief. The city of Minneapolis is beginning the process of hiring a police chief to replace Robert Olson. Mayor Rybak says Olson is planning to retire when his term expires in January, and that City Coordinator John Moyer is now taking preliminary steps in the search for a new chief.
July 9, 2003 - An Evangelical Lutheran Bishop says the prayers of people throughout the nation were answered following today's release of a St. Paul Hmong American pastor from a Lao jail. Authorities released Rev. Naw-Karl Mua and two journalists following intense diplomatic pressure by the French, Belgian and U.S. governments; and reportedly a payment of nearly $2500 from Mua's wife to Lao authorities.