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 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.
May 18, 2007 - Former governors offer advice on ending a session . Broadcast: Midday, 05/18/2007, 11:00 a.m. Legislators and the governor have three days to wrap things up -- and there is much wrapping left to do. Two of Minnesota's former governors have some advice for today's lawmakers on bringing the session to a successful conclusion. Guests: Wendell Anderson: Minnesota governor: 1971 - 1977. Arne Carlson: Minnesota governor: 1990 - 1998.
May 21, 2007 - The 2007 Minnesota legislative session is grinding to a close. Lawmakers have less than seven hours to pass several budget bills before their Midnight deadline to adjourn. The DFL-controlled House and Senate are in the process of passing these bills ... even though legislative leaders and Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty have failed to reach an overall budget agreement. A spokesman for the governor says Pawlenty is reserving his right to veto the budget bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck has been following the day's events and joins us from the Capitol ... Tom, What's the latest? Well, this is a highly unusual conclusion to a legislative session. DFLers in control of the Legislature appear to be roping together a bundle of budget bills, passing them, and sending them to Governor Pawlenty with no assurance he will sign them into law. Usually by now the governor and legislative leaders have agreed on a budget blueprint or admit they're headed to a special session.
May 24, 2007 - Former justice department official Monica Goodling testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, May 24, 2007. During questioning by Minnesota fifth district congressman Keith Ellison, Goodling said Justice officials worried former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger spent too much time on a panel dedicated to Native American affairs. Goodling's testimony was the first indication of why Heffelfinger appeared on a list of prosecutors Justice officials considered removing. Heffelfinger told the Associated Press Goodling's comments are the first indication he's received that the Justice Department had any dissatisfaction with his performance. He says his time devoted to Indian issues was warranted.
May 30, 2007 - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is criticizing Governor Tim Pawlenty's plans to veto a tax bill that includes millions of dollars in funding for St. Paul and many other Minnesota cities. Coleman says the governor won't have to face any of the tough decisions his veto will force city officials to confront, such as laying off police officers. But the Governor has not waivered from his pledge to veto the bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 4, 2007 - Governor Tim Pawlenty analyzes the 2007 Minnesota legislative session with Midday’s Gary Eichten. Pawlenty faced large DFL majorities in both houses of the Legislature this session, but with the help of his veto pen and a united Republican caucus, he held his ground on a number of fronts, including blocking several tax increases.
July 9, 2007 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on lead poisoning concerns in toys from China. Minnesota's Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar says the federal agency in charge of protecting consumers needs to get tougher on toy manufacturers. And to do that, it needs tougher laws and more money to hire inspectors. Klobuchar held a forum this morning in Minnetonka on unsafe toys imported from China.
August 2, 2007 - MPR Special Coverage of government and city officials giving morning news conference on day after I-35W bridge collapse. Speakers include R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota; Amy Peters, U.S. secretary of transportation; Norm Coleman, U.S. senator; Amy Klobuchar, U.S. senator; Keith Ellison, U.S. representative, Tim Dolan, Minneapolis police chief; Jim Clack, Minneapolis fire chief; and Mark Rosenker, chairman of National Transportation Safety Board. Topics include the recovery efforts, first responders, government relief, initial local reaction, and investigations going forward. Speakers also answer reporter questions.
August 2, 2007 - MPR Special Coverage of R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; and Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota, giving afternoon news conference on day after I-35W bridge collapse. Topics include the human loss, family privacy, first responders, road closures, and bridge inspections. Both Rybak and Pawlenty also answer reporter questions.