December 10, 1998 - A new poll by MPR and the Pioneer Press indicates most Minnesotans do NOT want Congress to impeach President Clinton. 62 percent of respondents say impeachment is the wrong course of action. 19 percent say Clinton should be impeached, but NOT convicted... Only 14 percent say the President SHOULD be convicted -- and thereby removed from office. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste has more: On the streets of downtown St Paul, the attitude is one of general disgust with Clinton -- but disagreement over the appropriate punishment. (street bkgrd sfx) ((CHARLES: I don't know if I can't trust him, b
December 11, 1998 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone has all but announced he's running for President. The two-term Democrat says he's going to make the final decision over the holidays -- after he gets a chance to discuss it with his family. But in a speech to supporters and financial backers last night (THURS), Wellstone made it sound as though he's already embarked on the campaign trail. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports:
December 15, 1998 - Duluth and the Iron Range are attempting to shed their dependence on heavy industry. They're putting tax dollars behind efforts to revamp the economy and attract technology-related jobs. In the past the DFL-dominated area enjoyed considerable power and influence at the Capitol, and put it to good economic development use. But the incoming Ventura administration, as well as the newly Republican House legislature, mean changes in the balance of power, and some are concerned that may effect the region's ability to remake itself. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports. The head of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board says the writing is on the wall for northern Minnesota's traditional industries including taconite and logging. IRRRB Commissioner Jim Gustafson says as a result the agency has ambitious plans to retool the Iron Ran
December 15, 1998 - The government watchdog group Common Cause Minnesota says conflict of interest allegations against a state senator point out why lawmakers should disclose how they make their money. A Senate ethics panel this week will look into a controversial consulting fee the University of Minnesota paid to D-F-Ler Dallas Sams of Staples. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... The non-partisan group Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility raised questions last month about a consulting fee paid indirectly from the Univeristy of Minnesota to D-F-L State Senator Dallas Sams. The group says the 12-thousand-five-hundred dollar payment has the appearance of a kickback. Now, Common Cause Minnesota says the allegations underscore the ne
December 15, 1998 - Students who say they're concerned about cuts in financial aid, cheered as Governor-elect Jesse Ventura told them they should pay for college themselves. Ventura told students at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park that they'll enjoy their education more if they earn it. MPR’s Tim Pugmire interviews a couple students after event to get their take.
December 16, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Steven Schier, Carleton College political science professor, about Thursday's impeachment debate. Topic of the inevitability of impeachment is addressed. Program also includes interviews with four of Minnesota's representatives in Congress (Martin Sabo, Bill Luther, Gil Gutknecht, and Bruce Vento), and Judge Andrew Danielson on perjury.
December 16, 1998 - (WITH IMPEAC) 4th district MINNESOTA CONGRESSMAN BRUCE VENTO SAYS THE HOUSE PROBE INTO PRESIDENT CLINTON COULD LAST A YEAR. VENTO VOTED AGAINST AN OPEN ENDED INQUIRTY INTO THE PRESIDENT'S BEHAVIOR TODAY. MOST DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF THE MINNESOTA DELEGATION PREFERRED AN INQUIRY THAT WOULDN'T HAVE LASTED PAST THE END OF THE YEAR. Sun 28-MAY 08:32:35 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 17, 1998 - Minnsota's congressional delegation has been tracking events in Iraq, and trying to prepare for tomorrow's floor debate on whether to impeach President Clinton. 3rd district Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad says he approves of the airstrikes, but he's still withholding judgement on the impeachment issue: Minnesota 3rd district Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad. Sun 28-MAY 07:29:07 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 17, 1998 - We also reached Congressman Martin Sabo in Washington earlier today. The fifth district Democrat also approves of the airstrikes, saying they're the logical conclusion to a long period of ineffective diplomatic relations with Iraq: 5th District Democratic Congressman Martin Sabo spoke to us from Washington earlier in the afternoon. Sun 28-MAY 07:29:07 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 17, 1998 - The crumbling farm economy in Northwestern Minnesota is starting to erode local government budgets. Polk county commissioners are struggling to balance the county budget. It appears employee layoffs and reduced services for county residents are inevitable. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports. Polk county tax revenue took a big hit when hundreds of East Grand Forks homes were washed off the tax rolls by the flood of 1997. But its budget problems started long before the flood. For the last half dozen years Polk county commissioners took the path of least resistance. They held down tax increases by trimming a l