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
July 14, 2008 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Mee Moua, a Minnesota state senator, about the impact on Hmong farmers after a storm devastated crops south of the Twin Cities. The many small plots of crops are important to their family income. Moua discusses State Capitol efforts to find ways to support farmers affected.
July 14, 2008 - State officials say they're looking for ways to assist the farmers hit hard by a thunderstorm last week in Dakota County. High winds and hail wiped out many of the small fields of Hmong-Americans who supply vegetables and flowers for farmers markets in the Twin Cities. Many of the growers live in the St. Paul district of DFL state Senator Mee Moua. She held a meeting today at the state Capitol with representatives of some the state agencies that could provide aid, such as low-interest loans.
July 14, 2008 - The daughter of former federal judge Miles Lord has decided to challenge DFL Senate candidate Al Franken in the September primary. Attorney Priscilla Lord Faris says she's made campaign contributions to Franken and agrees with Franken on most of the issues. Faris says she's running against Franken in the DFL primary, because she fears Franken will not be able to defeat Republican Senator Norm Coleman in the November election.
July 14, 2008 - About 200 farmers in the southern Twin Cities metropolitan area are dealing with crop damage from last week's storms. Many of the growers are Hmong-American, and their small plots of vegetables are vital to their family income. DFL State Senator Mee Moua of St. Paul organized a meeting at the state Capitol this afternoon to discuss ways to help the farmers. Moua has a few family members whose crops were destroyed. She says the damage is extensive.
July 14, 2008 - About 200 farm families in the south metro area lost most of their crops in last week's storms. Many of the growers are Hmong-American, and their small vegetable plots are crucial to their family income. The farmers depend on the money they make from selling their produce at farmers markets. DFL State Senator Mee Moua of St. Paul has family members whose crops have been destroyed. She says most of the ruined crops cannot be replanted.
July 14, 2008 - Attorney Priscilla Lord Faris says she will challenge Senate candidate Al Franken in the DFL September primary.
July 15, 2008 - After months of stoking speculation, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura finally put it to rest last night. He will not run for U.S. Senate this year. He made the announcement on CNN's Larry King Live. Minnesota Public Radio's Curtis Gilbert invited three voters to watch the announcement together, and recorded their reactions.
July 16, 2008 - The race for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat is a lot more crowded today. A total of 18 candidates are seeking the seat currently held by Republican Norm Coleman. Half of those candidates filed yesterday, on the last day to enter the race. Six DFL candidates are running and seven members of the Independence Party are vying for the chance to get on the November ballot.
July 23, 2008 - Seven Democrats are running in the September DFL primary in hopes of winning their party's nomination to take on Republican Senator Norm Coleman in the November election. Comedian and author Al Franken is the favorite to win that primary. Franken has raised millions of dollars, he has the DFL endorsement and he's a household name throughout the state. Of all of Franken's challengers, attorney Priscilla Lord Faris appears to be putting together the most aggressive primary campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik has this profile of Lord Faris.
August 1, 2008 - A Midday MPR Special coverage program of memorial service, one year after I-35W bridge collapse. From the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis, Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota; R. T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; Sally Dyck, United Methodist Church Bishop and president of the Minnesota Council of Churches; and Father John Bauer, co-pastor of Basilica of St. Mary speak in observance of the one-year anniversary of the I-35W bridge collapse. Hour long service also includes songs, prayers and reflection.