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
April 9, 2007 - Minnesota 1st District U.S. Representative Tim Walz has made a name for himself in his first 100 days. Insiders say he's become an influential Democratic voice in Washington on veterans and the war in Iraq.
April 10, 2007 - State lawmakers are back to work today after a long Easter-Passover break. The DFL-controled House is set to start taking up budget bills this week.... bills that are already the target of veto threats by Governor Tim Pawlenty. Joining us this morning is Minnesota Public Radio Capitol reporter, Tom Scheck. Q: Where are we now on the budget? Q: How does the DFL legislature... and Governor Pawlenty reconcile their budget plans? Q: How will something like the Governor's job-Z program fit into the negotiations?Q: The governor has joined the budget fray on the airwaves too. He and some special interest groups have been airing radio and TV ads about the issue. Here's a taste of some of these ads.
April 13, 2007 - On this Midday program, a broadcast of speech by U.S. Representative Tim Walz, who represents Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District in the southern part of the state. Walz says America's foreign policy has become so focused on the goal of security that it has given short shrift to other important goals like human rights. He argues for a broader view of foreign policy and a departure from the "dichotomies" of American politics.
April 18, 2007 - All Thing Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Minnesota 1st District Representative Tim Walz about one of the deadliest days of the Iraq war in months after troop surge. The two discuss Iraq timelines, political solutions, funding of military, and Katrina recovery aid.
April 30, 2007 -
May 2, 2007 - Will the session's home stretch be a grueling one? Broadcast: Midday, 05/02/2007, 11:00 a.m. With less than three weeks left in the session, the Legislature and the governor don't appear to be moving toward compromise. Which side will win the tug of war over taxes? Guests: Phil Krinkie: Former Republican legislator. Krinkie, who used to chair the House Taxes Committee, is now President of the conservative Taxpayer's League of Minnesota. Dee Long: Former DFL legislator. Long was House Speaker from 1991-1992.
May 8, 2007 - The Ham Lake fire continues to burn unpredictably and furiously at the end of the Gunflint trail. Governor Pawlenty flew over the fire this morning and spoke with residents. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill spent much of the day with fire crew members and joins us now from the Gunflint.
May 10, 2007 - Will the session end in gridlock? Broadcast: Midday, 05/10/2007, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday brought another veto from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, this one on the higher education bill. With just a week-and-a-half left in the session, will the DFL-controlled Legislature and the governor be able to agree on a budget? Guests: Duane Benson: Former Republican Senate minority leader. Roger Moe: Former DFL Senate majority leader.
May 12, 2007 - Minnesota is set to become the twentieth state in the nation to have a statewide smoking ban. Early this morning, the Minnesota House passed a bill that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants across the state. Governor Pawlenty says he'll sign it. The bill's passage comes after a day of doubt about whether there were enough votes to get it to Governor Pawlenty's desk. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
May 17, 2007 - Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders continued their budget negotiations behind closed doors in the Governor's office today . There have actually been several meetings to hammer out the best way to craft a two year budget. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck joins us now with an update on the budget talks -- Tom could you give us the latest? ----TOM:Well, we don't know a lot. The major players haven't been offering specifics on the budget. Republican House Minority Leader Marty Seifert said they were extremely close to a deal on the budget yesterday but are only somewhat close today. Seifert said today was basically the blowup day where lawmakers try last ditch efforts to get their key priorities into the budget. GRETA Who's talking and what's the scene? DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher, DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Marty Seifert and Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem have been meeting in one of the side rooms just outside of the governor's office -- now last night reporters could get a peek into the room through one of the outside windows. The drapes were closed today and not even staff members have been allowed into the room.