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 30, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (fri) released details of the first phase of his plan to help Minnesotans import less expensive prescription drugs from Canada. The governor showcased a state website that lists two Canadian pharmacies that have 829 different medicines for sale to consumers. Minnesota is the first state in the nation to offer such a plan. Some critics say the website doesn't do enough to help Minnesotans obtain cheaper prescriptions. Others oppose the site and say they're contemplating legal action to shut it down. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
February 3, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) outlined a series of proposals to help Minnesota's emerging biotech industry. Pawlenty has made biotech a top priority of his administration. But the governor's recommendations don't go as far as the proposals from the biosciences council he created last year. Industry experts say even if Pawlenty's package passes in its entirety, Minnesota will have to do more down the road to be a major player in the biotech industry. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 3, 2004 - A new MPR-Pioneer Press poll shows more than half of Minnesotans give Governor Tim Pawlenty's job performance high marks. The numbers are higher than a similar poll conducted nearly a year ago. The poll also shows Minnesotans are divided about the budget fix approved last year to plug a record four-point-two billion dollar gap. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 5, 2004 -
February 5, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty delivered a State of the State address today (THURSDAY) that was more upbeat than his first one. Pawlenty says Minnesotans have reason to be optimistic. He noted the state has largely overcome a historic budget deficit without raising state taxes, and he highlighted several reforms he's already proposed over the last few months. DFL leaders object to Pawlenty's description of his first year, and disagree with his vision for the future. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 9, 2004 - In last week's state of the state speech, Governor Pawlenty asked lawmakers to explore ways to rein in the growing cost of state government. He suggested capping spending increases to an amount based on inflation and population growth. That would be consistent with a proposal by the Minnesota Taxpayer's League -- called the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights -- or TaBOR is to downsize government.
February 10, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is in Baghdad, Iraq today... at the invitation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Pawlenty's office says he is traveling with a group of governors from both political parties. He started his trip on Sunday... with a briefing at the Pentagon. Joining us on the line is Leslie Kupchella. That is Leslie Kupchella, a spokesperson for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty is making the trip to Iraq along with the governors of Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, New York and Oregon. Before leaving for Iraq, the governors toured the memorial at the Pentagon dedicated to the victims of September 11th.
February 11, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty wrapped up a two-day trip to Iraq today (WEDNESDAY). Pawlenty and five other governors spent a second day in Baghdad at the invitation of the Bush administration. Pawlenty says he leaves Iraq convinced that President Bush was right to go to war against Saddam Hussein's regime. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
February 11, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty has plans for another full day in Baghdad today for the second part of his two-day trip to Iraq. Pawlenty is one of six American governors picked by the Defense Department for a surprise visit to the country... the first visit by governors since the occupation began in April. Pawlenty says the group wants to visit troops stationed in Iraq and learn more about the U.S. mission. Joining us now for a political perspective on the trip is Steven Schier, political science professor at Carleton College in Northfield.
February 24, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty says federal concerns won't prompt him to shut down a state website that provides consumer information on Canadian pharmacies. The Food and Drug Administration sent Pawlenty a letter yesterday (MONDAY) calling the website "unsafe, unsound and ill-considered". Attorney General Mike Hatch says the FDA doesn't have any grounds for legal action against the website. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...