January 6, 1999 - Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura made a flurry of appointments today as he tries to fill dozens of vacancies in his new administration.
January 6, 1999 - As the state legislative session begins, many interest groups are still waiting to see what stands Governor Jesse Ventura will take on specific issues but supporters of industrial hemp already know exactly how the governor stands on their issue. During his campaign, Ventura spoke out clearly in favor of legalizing industrial hemp, and he's reaffirmed his position since then. Hemp promoters now see new hope for what they call a promising and environmentally friendly alternative crop.
January 7, 1999 - Minnesota's senators reflect the partisan split heading into the senate trial of President Clinton beginning today. The senators will take their oath as jurors later today. A full trial could take as long as six months. Some senators have proposed a limited trial, followed by a test-vote to see if there are the votes needed to remove the president from office. Democrats like Paul Wellstone say there's no way Republicans have the 67 votes needed to convict the president. Wellstone says the senate should limit the process to a two-week period.
January 11, 1999 - Senator Paul Wellstone is leading the charge in congress to open the entire impeachment trial of President Clinton to the public. Under the current Senate rules, some key testimony could come behind closed doors. Wellstone and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin plan to introduce what they're calling a "sunshine motion." Wellstone says its important the process be fully accountable to the American public.
January 12, 1999 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota's DFL U.S. senator, discusses his decision not to run for U.S. president and his view of outcome on Senate impeachment trial. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
January 12, 1999 - In this sampling of opinion on the Senate impeachment trial of President Clinton, which starts Thursday, we hear from some prominent Minnesotans: writer Bill Holm, former Senator Dave Durenberger, playwright Kim Hines and financier Irwin Jacobs.
January 12, 1999 - Arguments in the senate trial of President Clinton begin Thursday. We've been hearing from politicians, pundits, pollsters and the public about the trial, so we decided to put the question to a few prominent Minnesotans: Financier Irwin Jacobs says he's disgusted with the situation, and he wants Clinton removed from office.
January 12, 1999 - On MPR and Public Television last night, Governor Ventura declared the state should use SALES taxes as the guideline for returning the budget surplus to taxpayers. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, the Governor's comment has had an immediate effect at the state capitol.
January 13, 1999 - Governor Ventura filled three of the most important and visible jobs in his administration today. The commissioners of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Children, Families & Learning.
January 13, 1999 - A Senate committee today approved a repeal of Minnesota's contentious ban on snowmobile studs. Angry snowmobilers warn of more accidents and lost tourism dollars if they can't use the carbide-tipped studs, while trail users argue studs will hack up the state's paved trails.