October 8, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast from St. Cloud of the U.S. Senate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The three major party candidates participate: DFL U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, Republican Rudy Boschwitz, and Reform Party candidate Dean Barkley.
October 9, 1996 - As part of a special week long focus on education issues, Midday examines Minnesota's largest institution of higher education…the University of Minnesota. Guests Marvin Marshak, senior vice president for Academic Affairs; and State Representative Becky Kelso, who chairs the University of Minnesota Finance Division in the state House, discuss aspects of the state universities and answer listener questions.
October 10, 1996 - Midday presents a rebroadcast of the vice-presidential debate between Vice President Al Gore and his republican challenger, former Congressman Jack Kemp. The debate was held at St. Petersburg, Florida. Debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer, host of PBS’s NewsHour.
October 15, 1996 - Midday looks at crime initiatives in the Minnesota Legislature with guests Democratic representative Wes Skoglund and Republican representative Rich Stanek. The two discuss various crime proposals, crime rates, and answer listener questions.
October 16, 1996 - Martin Sabo, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th District, reflects on colleague Jim Rice, who passed away after having a heart attack at the State Capitol.
October 17, 1996 - Midday presents a rebroadcast of the second and final Presidential debate between President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger Bob Dole. The townhall debate was held at Shiley Theatre, University of San Diego. Debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer, host of PBS’s NewsHour.
October 17, 1996 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's election coverage, we're presenting profiles of candidates. Today, we'll hear about Rudy Boschwitz. During his two terms in the U. S. Senate, Republican Rudy Boschwitz's party controlled the White House, but not Congress. Boscwhitz was a loyal Reagan-Bush supporter in the Senate. His former colleagues say Boschwitz's intelligence and business background helped him understand complex government programs and propose reforms. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has more. TV viewers remember the plaid shirt. But long before Rudy Boschwitz's folksy ads touting Plywood Minnesota, the family business, Boschwitz was a familiar name to many. His friend Jerry Pappenfus, a Winona-based radio executive, says Boschwitz was active in the early '70's raising money for the Cancer Society.
October 17, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on growing political involvement in Hmong community. 20+ years after the first Hmong refugees arrived in Minnesota, Hmong voter ranks have grown steadily, and more are involved in politics than ever before.
October 18, 1996 - As part of Midday's "Meet the Candidates" series, guest Dean Barkley, Reform Party candidate for U.S. Senate, talks about his campaign, state of Reform Party, and answers questions from Minnesota Public Radio listeners.
October 18, 1996 - MPR’s Bill Wareham profiles Paul Wellstone’s arrival and subsequent education on being a U.S. Senator in Washington D.C. Wareham looks at Wellstone’s personal and political history. Interviews include fellow senator David Durenberger and numerous political supporters and activists.