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
January 9, 2004 -
January 12, 2004 -
January 13, 2004 -
January 14, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (WEDNESDAY) released a bonding package totaling 760-million dollars. The size of the proposal surprised some House Republicans who favor a leaner package of public works projects, while some Senate DFLers called it skimpy. The bill would fund construction at colleges, universities and state buildings, prison expansion, roads, rail and environmental projects. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
January 15, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty just wrapped up a week of press conferences highlighting projects in his bonding proposal. After cutting budgets last year, the bonding proposal gave the governor the chance to dish out some spending around Minnesota. The statewide media blitz was typical for a high-energy governor who has proven adept at dealing with the press. Pawlenty has released a flurry of initiatives in recent weeks, and some Democrats believe the activity level is designed to deflect criticism of his administration. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
January 16, 2004 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports on vying proposals in the Twin Cities regarding a new ballpark. As policymakers and state officials pore over the details of 26 stadium ideas submitted, one thread emerges bright and clear…aside from the plans that call for new gambling revenues, all the major proposals rely heavily on increased tax dollars to build new homes for the Twins and Vikings.
January 16, 2004 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on stadium discussions in the Twin Cities. More than two dozen cities, counties, and private citizens have pitched their ballpark solutions to Governor Tim Pawlenty's Stadium Screening Committee. The governor solicited outside input to help him decide what role, if any, the state might play in financing new facilities for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. The plans cover a range of sites sprinkled across the metropolitan area and offer funding options from local taxes to state dollars to casino revenues.
January 27, 2004 - Self contained (QUESTIONS ARE JUST PROMPTS, AD LIB AS NECESSARY) MOLPUS: Governor Tim Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) called on lawmakers to let Minnesota voters decide whether to revive capital punishment in the state. Pawlenty first proposed the idea last month after convicted Minnesota sex-offender Alfonzo Rodriguez, Jr., was arrested in connection with the disappearance of University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo joins us now from the Capitol. Michael, Minnesota hasn't had a death penalty in nearly 100 years. Why is Pawlenty raising the issue now?
January 28, 2004 -
January 29, 2004 - A new report says recent cuts in state child care subsidies are having a negative impact on many low income families and providers. Officials with the Children's Defense Fund and Child Care WORKS say eligibility reductions approved last year by the Minnesota Legislature have resulted in longer waiting lists, the closure of child care centers and the return of some families to welfare programs. But a key lawmaker is questioning the report's accuracy. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...