February 28, 2002 - Joining us now for more analysis is Steven Schier, professor of Political Science at Carleton College. --who do you think benefits most politically from the way this budget battle played out? --how will the battle affect Ventura's popularity with the public? --who is likely to be politically wounded by how it happened? --we could see Pawlenty, Moe, and Ventura running for Governor this fall... how does that affect the way this budget situation played out? -- Moving on to the US Senate race-- incumbent Paul Wellstone has announced he has Multple Sclerosis. How could either of the candidates use that to their advantage? -- President Bush is a Coleman supporter... what kind of influence could he have? -- How might Wellstone use the President's support for Coleman against Coleman?
March 1, 2002 - State officials say construction of Minnesota's largest public works project is within budget. The Legislative Auditor says the cost of the $675 million Hiawatha light rail line from downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America is slightly less than forecast at this point. However, even as the line is being built the state's revenue shortfall threatens expansion of a transit system advocates say the region needs as the population grows. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports:
March 1, 2002 -
March 4, 2002 - President Bush traveled to Eden Prairie High School today to push his latest education reform proposals. The president praised the role of teachers, urged volunteerism and reflected on the nation's war against terrorism. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire is at Eden Prairie High School and joins us now.
March 4, 2002 - (to follow two chunks on Bush's speech) The President at this hour is attending a fundraiser in downtown Minneapolis for Senate Hopeful Norm Coleman. The event is expected to raise as much as one-million dollars for Coleman. Incumbent Democrat Paul Wellstone is one of 10 senators who voted against Bush's education bill. Recent polls have found voters split evenly between Coleman and Wellstone.
March 4, 2002 -
March 4, 2002 - That's MPR's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum.
March 4, 2002 - President Bush is in downtown Minneapolis at this hour raising money for Norm Coeman's senate campaign. The president was at Eden Prarie High school earlier this afternoon to promote his education reform plans. We have two reports beginning with Mark Zedechlic who's live at the downtown Minneapolis Hilton: in town working on Coleman's behalf:
March 5, 2002 - People across the state tonight will attend neighborhood meetings to begin the work of nominating political candidates. The precinct caucus is a way for community members to participate at the first level of electing lawmakers. This year five of the seven gubernatorial candidates have agreed to abide by the party nomination. Chuck Slocum is a former chair of the state Republican party. He says major parties started using the caucus system in the 1950's:
March 5, 2002 - Republican Norm Coleman says his Senate Campaign easily raised more than a million dollars yesterday evening thanks to President Bush. After an address at Eden Prairie High School, the president posed for pictures and spoke to hundreds of Republican donors who paid a thousand dollars or more at a Coleman fundraiser in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...