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
November 4, 2010 - Tuesday's election was historic for the Republican takeover of the state legislature for the first time in 38 years, but it was significant in St. Paul for another reason: The Capitol City elected its very first African American lawmakers to both the House and Senate. They won the seats vacated by the state's first two Hmong lawmakers.
November 5, 2010 - With the close of the 2010 gubernatorial race, MPR’s Curtis Gilbert revisits the memorable 1990 Minnesota governor’s race, which involved screaming headlines, sex scandals, an 11th hour withdrawal -- and a surprise upset victory.
November 19, 2010 - All Thing’s Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Lee Greenfield, former state legislator from Minneapolis, about his friend Senator Allan Spear and Spear's posthumous autobiography "Crossing the Barriers." Spear was one of the first openly gay Americans serving in elected office.
December 2, 2010 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports that Congress has passed a bill designed to prevent importation of Asian carp. Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar co-sponsored the bill.
December 6, 2010 - There's just over a week left in the Minnesota Governor's race recount, and Democrat Mark Dayton's lead still stands at nearly 9,000 votes. Republican Tom Emmer's odds are dwindling. This past weekend, party leaders directed their frustration at Republicans who supported Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner. The Republican State Central Committee enacted a two-year ban on 18 prominent Republicans who publicly endorsed Horner. Former Republican Governor Al Quie was one of them, and he joins us this morning on the phone.
December 23, 2010 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with former Republican U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger about landmark health care law signed by President Barack Obama earlier in 2010, and the push by some in Congress to already repeal the law. Durenberger also answers listener questions.
December 27, 2010 - The year 2010 brought Republican electoral gains, in Minnesota and across the country, as well as another recount in a statewide election. Midday's political analysts look ahead to politics in 2011.
January 5, 2011 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann checks in with U.S. Representative Tim Walz as the new session of legislators are set to be sworn in, with Republicans taking control of Congress. It is a different experience for Walz, when Democrats took control of Congress four years ago. Walz comments that all are there to serve, no matter the party affiliation.
January 14, 2011 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann speaks with U.S. Representative Tim Walz about “Congress on Your Corner” events taking place, even after the horrific event in Tucson where U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords and 18 others were shot during a constituent meeting held in a supermarket parking lot. Walz shares his belief on the importance of events and tone of dialog amongst legislators.
January 26, 2011 - Minnesotans Al Eisele and Bill Frenzel, each with more than 40 years of participation in Washington politics and journalism, join Midday to discuss how Minnesota's power and influence has ebbed and flowed over the years.