March 5, 1998 - Business lobbyists today pleaded with the House Tax Committee to accelerate cuts in business property tax rates. They say Minnesota businesses need the cuts as soon as possible so they can prepare for an eventual slow-down in the economy. But House DFLers are turning a deaf ear, and some of them say they're not sure business should get cuts at all. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
March 4, 1998 - Last night's DFL caucus straw poll confirmed Skip Humphrey as the man to beat in the race for the DFL nomination for Governor. His lead was not very commanding, only five percentage points ahead of Mike Freeman, but it was enough to make him a target for the runners-up. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
March 3, 1998 - The ten Republicans and DFLers running for governor are hoping for strong showings at tonight's party precinct caucuses; some of them have been working the phones for months, recruiting party activists to come out to local caucuses on their behalf. But at this early stage of the Minnesota caucus process it's often hard to tell which candidate has done well, or even whether it matters much in the final outcome. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
March 2, 1998 - Another work-week gets underway at the State Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste is watching things from the Capitol Bureau.
February 27, 1998 - The state's budget surplus has been bumped up again, this time to nearly $1.9 billion dollars. That's $600 million more than state economists forecast last month. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, the politicians had their plans for the money ready almost before the new numbers were released.
February 26, 1998 - Next Tuesday night, Republicans and Democrats hold precinct caucuses to elect delegates to this summer's party conventions. This week, Minnesota Public Radio is profiling the candidates vying for their endorsement for Governor. State Senator Doug Johnson has not formally entered the race yet, but for all practical purposes, he's running. He's set up a campaign fund and he's lining up some of the DFL's savviest strategists to help him make up for his late start. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste has this profile: Doug Johnson is a consummate insider -- he's served in the Legislature since 1970, and he's held one of the most powerful positions -- Senate Tax Committee chairman -- since 1980. But he's also an Iron Range political insider, which means he's always sure to keep a populist touch:
February 25, 1998 - A House committee has revived a proposal to ban new large feedlots in Minnesota. The plan's supporters withdrew the moratorium two weeks ago in the face of stiff opposition from agricultural interests, but today the chairman of the Environment finance committee, DFLer Tom Osthoff, brought the moratorium back. Martin Kaste reports.
February 24, 1998 - Next Tuesday night, Republicans and Democrats hold precinct caucuses to elect delegates to this summer's party conventions. This week, Minnesota Public Radio is profiling the candidates vying for their endorsement for Governor. This year's race for Governor is already shaping up as the most wide-open in years. It's a race without any clear favorites -- a fact Joanne Benson is well aware of. Benson may be Arne Carlson's Lieutenant Governor, but she's hardly his heir apparent. Minnesota Public Radio's Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste has this profile of the candidates.
February 23, 1998 - Another work week is already underway at the State Capitol. Legislators expect this to be the week when MONEY finally takes center stage, as committee start making hard choices about spending priorities, and how much tax relief is enough. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste joins us from the Capitol.
February 23, 1998 - Next Tuesday night, Republicans and Democrats hold precinct caucuses to elect delegates to this summer's party conventions. This week, Minnesota Public Radio is profiling the candidates vying for their endorsement. St Paul Mayor Norm Coleman earned himself weeks of media attention by refusing to say whether he was running for governor. His coyness on the topic generated weeks of media speculation, and jealous gubernatorial candidates in both parties grumbled that he should make up his mind. Coleman finally did earlier this month, and formally entered the race on February 15. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste has this profile of the candidate.