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
November 29, 2004 - When it comes to health care, Governor Pawlenty thinks there's strength in numbers. So much so that he's formed an informal alliance of state government, large employers and labor groups. Pawlenty hopes the large group can initiate changes in the health care marketplace that will lower costs and improve quality. He also plans on eliminating some required paperwork for providers and wants improvements to medical technology. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 3, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (FRI) proposed a series of initiatives to help military members and veterans. He says the 18-million dollar package is a top priority, even as the state faces a projected 700-million dollar budget deficit. Some National Guard members and their families say the governor's proposed benefits would be a major incentive for military members. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 6, 2004 - Some members of Governor Tim Pawlenty's own party say he's wrong to explore using casino gambling money to help fund state government. They say the governor's approach conflicts with fundamental Republican party principles and it will cost them votes. Nevertheless Pawlenty is not backing down from trying to pressure tribes into sharing their casino profits. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
December 8, 2004 -
December 15, 2004 - Some DFL state officials are proposing that the state offer health care benefits and no-interest loans to Minnesota National Guard members and reservists. They say the high number of overseas deployments is placing a tremendous burden on families. Governor Pawlenty has already proposed a package of military benefits, and the issue is likely to receive widespread support at the Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 22, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (WED) proposed a ten-year, seven-billion dollar transportation package. He says it will accelerate dozens of road and transit projects across the state. The plan wouldn't begin until 2007, and relies heavily on borrowed money. DFL leaders called it a credit card financing scheme. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 27, 2004 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik prepared this documentary, looking back at Minnesota's battleground role in the 2004 race for the White House. Includes numerous interviews and speeches.
December 31, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is looking to protect the supply of cheap Canadian prescription drugs. He's has written to Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin urging him to continue allowing re-importation of prescription drugs. Recent news reports suggest that Martin's health cabinet wants to block the current system. But Canadian pharmacies and others who support reimportation say they'll pursue other measures to keep the business going. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 3, 2005 -
January 6, 2005 - < It's ATC. I'm Tom Crann for Minnesota Public Radio.