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
May 7, 2006 - State Representative Keith Ellison of Minneapolis has won the Democratic endorsement for Congress in Minnesota's Fifth District. Delegates endorsed Ellison to succeed retiring Congressman Martin Sabo, who has held the seat since 1978. If elected, Ellison would be the first African American Congressman in Minnesota history. But the endorsement doesn't guarantee that he'll be DFLer on the November ballot because several Democrats say they'll run in a September primary. MPR’s Tom Scheck reports from DFL convention.
May 10, 2006 - The Minnesota House is expected to take up a bill later this week that would make it tough, if not impossible, for strip clubs to operate in small Minnesota towns. A similar bill easily passed the state Senate last week. But opponents say the effort is unconstitutional.
May 18, 2006 - A new group of riders is discovering the Twin Cities bike trail system. They are students at the Wellstone International High School in Minneapolis. The school is designed for high-school-age students who are new to the country. For the last two years, the school has sponsored a bike club where students learn how to ride and get a chance to explore the area. Morning Edition's Jim Bickal reports.
May 19, 2006 - State lawmakers will be back at the Capitol today working on getting the major issues resolved before Monday's constitutional deadline to adjourn. Late last night, Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders agreed on a spending plan. They hope the deal sets the course for a smooth ending to the legislative session. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
May 22, 2006 - MPR's Tom Scheck examines why the Minnesota Twins were finally successful in getting a new ballpark, after being told no so many times. The legislation authorizes public financing for most of the half-billion dollar cost of the stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The House and Senate passed the bill and Pawlenty says he intends to sign it.
June 1, 2006 - Former Minnesota governors Arne Carlson and Al Quie discuss the future of Republican Party.
June 2, 2006 - Michelle Bachmann speech at GOP state convention
June 2, 2006 - Tim Pawlenty speech at GOP state convention
June 10, 2006 - Amy Klobuchar's acceptance speech at the DFL state convention on run for MInnesota U.S. Senate seat.
June 13, 2006 - Minnesota's jobless rate hit a five-a year low in May, providing ammunition for some early salvos in this year's campaign for governor. Governor Pawlenty and the Republican Party are touting the unemployment numbers in the hope of convincing voters that Minnesota is headed in the right direction. DFLers, led by its list of endorsed candidates, criticized the governor's policies during a statewide fly-around today . Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...