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
October 16, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty announced a plan today that would make it easier for Minnesotans to buy lower priced prescription drugs from Canada. Pawlenty wants the state to create a website that lists Canadian pharmacies that meet state standards for safety. He's also asking state officials to look at importing foreign-made, government-approved drugs for Minnesotans. Critics say the plan isn't safe for consumers and could endanger the economic health of pharmacies across Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
October 16, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis Mayor; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John DelmoMPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John Delmonico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.nico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.
October 21, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher looks back to 1978, when two lawyers drafted an historic compromise that still guides activities in the Boundary Waters today. Report includes various interviews and speech excerpts.
October 21, 2003 - In the days after Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone's death in 2002’, politicians from across the political spectrum said they would help build a memorial to him at a St. Paul community center. Congress appropriated nearly nine-million dollars to build the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building on the site of Neighborhood House on St. Paul's West Side.
October 23, 2003 - A year after the plane crash that killed Paul Wellstone and seven others, some Minnesotans are keeping his memory alive with bumper stickers, yard signs and more personalized memorials. Some of those who continue to display Wellstone campaign signs, says having them around comforts them. One of Wellstone's son says he and his brother welcome the support which David Wellstone says speaks to his father's legacy. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
October 24, 2003 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is backing off reports that it doesn't plan to sue any cities and states that set up plans to import prescription drugs from foreign countries. The report first appeared this morning (Fri) in the Boston Globe and was inititally hailed by officials from Minnesota and other places that have prescription importation plans in the works. By this afternoon, though, the FDA would only say it won't consider any legal action until plans for importation are in place. Minnesota's human services commissioner says the state intends to move forward with the plan no matter what the FDA does. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
October 24, 2003 - One year ago tomorrow (SATURDAY) the Minnesota and national political worlds were thrown into shock and confusion when Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, daughter, and five others were killed in plane crash eleven days before the election. His supporters, his admirers, and those who came to rely on his voice in the Senate say they're still grappling with the loss -- and fighting to advance his agenda. But Wellstone was also a polarizing figure during his political career. He never won election to the Senate with more than 50-percent of the vote. And many of his critics said he was better at giving speeches than at passing bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this look at Wellstone's political legacy.
October 30, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty said today (THURSDAY) that he'll encourage the Legislature to pass a bill next session that would lower the legal blood alcohol limit from point one zero to point zero-eight. Pawlenty says lowering the legal limit will reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. The state will also receive millions of dollars in federal highway money that was only going to states that have the point-zero-eight standard. The Legislature failed to pass the bill in previous sessions. Opponents argue the lower limit could hurt business for bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
October 31, 2003 - Charlie Weaver, Governor Pawlenty's chief of staff, is stepping down to become the head of the Minnesota Business Partnership, an association of chief executives from Minnesota's 100 largest companies. Weaver says the opportunity was one he couldn't pass up.
November 13, 2003 - Former Minnesota Democratic U.S. senator and former Presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy in the MPR studios with Gary Eichten to talk about politics and current events. McCarthy discusses the state of the DFL, polarization of the parties, war, his 1968 campaign, and also answers listener questions.