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
August 2, 2006 - It's no secret that incumbency gives politicians certain advantages that many of their challengers can't match. Sometimes it's simply a higher public profile. But where to draw the line on using the advantages of office has become an issue in the Minnesota gubernatorial race, which includes two state officeholders - Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Attorney General Mike Hatch. The Republican Party today (Weds) asked for an investigation into Hatch's use of state letterhead on campaign materials, as well as his campaign's use of reports produced by the attorney general's office. Hatch says Republicans are trying to cover up Governor Tim Pawlenty's attempts to use his office for political gain. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....
August 4, 2006 - The Republican-endorsed candidate for Minnesota's U.S. Senate race stepped up his criticism of his chief opponent. Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy said DFLer Amy Klobuchar has not taken a clear stance regarding the war in Iraq. Kennedy also questioned the way Klobuchar is portraying herself in the campaign and called her another liberal lawyer. Kennedy, who is trailing in the polls, said Minnesota's Senate race could determine which party controls the Senate next year. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck presents report, including political commentary.
August 18, 2006 - Amy Klobuchar, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, was in Duluth to campaign with Eighth District Congressman Jim Oberstar. They called for an increase in the minimum wage. Klobuchar said people in small towns across Minnesota are feeling the effects of Bush administration policies -- policies she says have led to higher costs for gas, health care, and education.
August 22, 2006 - After his address on health care, the President headed to a private reception in Wayzata, to raise money for Michele Bachmann's campaign. Bachman is the Republican candidate for Minnesota's 6th district congressional seat. She faces DFL-er Patty Wetterling and Independence Party candidate John Binkowski in the race for the seat. It's being vacated by Mark Kennedy, who's running for US Senate. To talk about the politics of the President's visit we've called on a political scientist from within the 6th district. Kay Wolsborn, joins me from the College of Saint Benedict in St Joseph.
August 24, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on four DFLers running in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District who debated at the Minnesota State Fair over health care, the war in Iraq, and public safety issues.
August 29, 2006 - With a little more than two months before the November election, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has a significant fundraising lead over his opponents. Pawlenty's campaign says the governor has $2 million in the bank. The campaign also says Pawlenty may forego the state's public subsidy so he's not bound by the the campaign spending limit. If so, it would be the first time in nearly 25 years that a major party candidate declined the public subsidies. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
September 1, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Scheck presents a summary report of U.S. Senate debate at Minnesota State Fair. The three major party endorsed candidates running for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat held a heated debate on health care, the war in Iraq and tax policy.
September 1, 2006 - As part of MPR Day at the Fair, former governors Wendell Anderson, Al Quie, and Arne Carlson talk politics at the Minnesota State Fair.
September 12, 2006 - Raw audio of Keith Ellison victory speech in DFL primary for 5th district. (Speech was not broadcast)
September 12, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on interim Police Chief Tim Dolan being Mayor RT Rybak's choice to lead the Minneapolis Police department. Dolan is a Minneapolis native and 23-year veteran of the force. Rybak says Dolan's experience with the city and with the department makes him the best choice to be the city's next top police officer. Report also contains commentary from PCRC and community member.