August 25, 2000 - ** Note host outcue ** D-F-L Senate candidate Mark Dayton has developed a solid lead over his primary opponents, according to a statewide poll for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press and KARE TV. Dayton continues to have the highest name recognition of the D-F-L candidates, and is as well known as Republican Senator Rod Grams. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
August 25, 2000 - It used to be that schools only had to concern themselves with the three "R's." But academics have made way for a list of new 'subjects;' and avoiding school violence is now a standard instruction area. In northwest Minnesota a coalition of educators, law enforcement, and health and human service providers have come together to ensure their schools are safe and students healthy. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that the coalition believes there are indications that preventive action is needed.
August 25, 2000 - A new poll finds Mark Dayton leading the pack of DFL US Senate candidates. Dayton was favored by 27 percent of likely primary voters responding to the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, KARE11, and Minnesota Public Radio poll. Mike Ciresi had 18-percent, Jerry Janezich had 17-percent and Rebecca Yanisch had 13-percent. About one-fourth of the respondents were undecided. MPR political analyst Chris Gilbert says Dayton's nine point lead is not massive, given the poll's five point margin of error. But he says in a crowded field it's good to have any lead.
August 25, 2000 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on the “art” of politics at the State Fair. Khoo interviews stops by various campaign booths and interviews various candidates, staffers and fairgoers. Includes excerpts from Mark Dayton, Mike Ciresi, and Rod Grams among others.
August 28, 2000 - The four major DFL Senate candidates squared off at the State Fair in one of the few remaining opportunities for them to try to distinguish themselves before the September 12th primary. Only a handful of differences emerged, and the four seem more willing to attack Republican Senator Rod Grams than each other, despite the fact that one of them has emerged as the leader in the race.
August 28, 2000 - When Minnesota's Reform Party broke away to become the Independence party last spring, self-employed software developer and political newcomer Jim Gibson seemed assured of being its lone candidate for U.S. Senate. But in the meantime a more competitive primary race materialized within the party. Environmental activist Leslie Davis has joined the fray, as has Buford Johnson, a former party official and military veteran. And while the candidates in the D-F-L have similar views on many of the issues, the Independence party candidates have run more idiosyncratic -- if low-profile -- campaigns. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil has this report.
August 28, 2000 - A new state law that takes effect next year will make Minnesota the first state to require welfare and health care case workers to report illegal immigrants to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Legislators who wrote the bill say the policy will discourage immigrants from entering Minnesota illegally and gaining access to state welfare services. Critics say the law targets all immigrants, including those in Minnesota legally. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports
August 28, 2000 - Minnesota voters say education is the most important issue facing the state, but they generally feel public schools are already on the right track. Results of a new Minnesota Public Radio, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, KARE-TV poll also show mixed feelings about statewide testing and graduation standards. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
August 28, 2000 - The high cost of prescription drugs is becoming a key issue not only for Congress, but also for the Minnesota Legislature. House and Senate Democrats say passing a bill that lowers drug costs for Minnesotans without drug coverage is their top legislative priority, and Republicans say they're also concerned about the problem. But the drug industry is certain to oppose a state solution. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
August 29, 2000 - A state-sponsored task force presented a report to governor Jesse Ventura today on the state of Minnesota's minority businesses. The group says minority and immigrant entrepreneurs have a tougher time obtaining financing and other assistance, and suggests several ways the state government can help. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.