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
September 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty and State Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson visited the Southeastern Minnesota town of Mazeppa (mah-ZEP-ah) this morning to evaluate crop damage from this summer's drought. Mainstreet Radio's Rob Schmitz reports. {Mazeppa Farmer Dale Stensland says as of the fourth of July weekend, things were looking good this year. Area farmers anticipated another bumper crop. But then, he says, trouble loomed.
September 12, 2003 - A rainstorm didn't halt the state's largest September 11 memorial ceremony last (THURSDAY) night in St. Paul. Governor Pawlenty and other leaders told a small but dedicated crowd the fight against terrorism must continue. They said Minnesotans can channel their emotions into community service here at home. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
September 17, 2003 - After months of work, a group of parents, staff, and students at an international school in Minneapolis will get their wish later today when the school officially changes its name. It will be named after the late Senator Paul Wellstone, and become known as the Wellstone International School. The school serves a group of older immigrant students... usually between the ages of 17 and 21, who have little or no previous education before coming to Minnesota. Joining us on the line is Luis Ortega (loo-EES or-TAY-ga), principal of the school.
September 17, 2003 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven (HOE-vehn) will meet soon to discuss a dispute over hunting. North Dakota is restricting where and when people from out of state can hunt . And license fees are going up. That's angered many Minnesota hunters. But the changes have also upset a lot of North Dakota business owners. Mainstreet Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.
September 18, 2003 - On his 80th birthday, former Minnesota Governor Al Quie joins MPR Midday host Gary Eichten to discuss his life and political career. Quie also answers listener questions.
September 19, 2003 - Attorney General John Ashcroft brushed aside critics of the USA Patriot Act on Friday, saying the United States was freer and safer than it was two years ago. "American is more secure today than two years ago, and it's safer and freer than at any time in the history of human freedom," he said.
September 19, 2003 - A sold out crowd of one thousand people last night celebrated former Governor Al Quie's 80th birthday. Friends and colleagues say Quie's strong commitment to public service, bipartisanship politics and spirituality makes him a unique man and role model. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty leads a trade delegation to Montreal this weekend. The trade mission is focused on biotechnology, as the governor tries to promote Minnesota as a place for biotech companies. Pawlenty and other biotech boosters say Minnesota is well poised to compete in the rush for biotech business. Skeptics say the state doesn't have the resources to become a major biotech player. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
September 25, 2003 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Susan Crumb, a community prosecutor in Brooklyn Park. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office hosting a two-day national meeting on Thursday-Friday, September 25-26, with focus on "community prosecution." In 1999, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar initiated this new approach to crime-fighting. This approach is based on a closer working relationship between prosecutors and the local neighborhoods and communities where crime is occurring. Prosecutors are assigned to work with police, local residents, businesses and others in a specific geographic area to develop strategies for preventing and prosecuting crime, as well as to identify appropriate consequences for those who break the law.
September 25, 2003 - The Pawlenty administration and others watching the Minnesota economy see biotechnology as one bright light on the horizon. And no single place better captures Minnesota's biotech dreams than a sprawling, abandoned building on the west edge of St. Paul. The city bought the building this month to serve as a non-profit "incubator." Officials hope the empty space will nurture fledgling biotech entrepreneurs into tomorrow's powerhouse corporations. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.