January 7, 2004 -
January 7, 2004 -
January 6, 2004 - Representatives of the Twins, the Vikings, and the University of Minnesota Gophers football team were in St. Paul today (TUESDAY) to pitch their hopes for new stadiums. Governor Tim Pawlenty has commissioned a Stadium Screening Committee to sift through stadium proposals and offer possible recommendations next month for the Legislature to consider. The teams repeated familiar complaints that the Metrodome is no longer adequate to meet their needs -- and made their case for help from lawmakers. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo was present for the discussion and joins us now from the state Capitol. Michael, the stadium issue has surfaced numerous times at the Capitol. Has anything changed since the last debate in 2002? KHOO: Yes and no. The underlying arguments for new facilities hasn't changed much. For the Twins and the Vikings, they argue the Metrodome doesn't have the amenities, suites, club seating, or concession opportunties that their competitors enjoy in other, more recent ballparks. It's an economic argument, they say: without a new stadium, we can't survive in Minnesota. The Twins, particularly, however, went out of their way to stress that things HAVE changed in the enviroment since the last debate. They point to a new labor contract agreed to in 2002 that increased revenue sharing between teams and is helping to level the economic balances between large and small market teams. They say that's real progress towards reforming baseball and something that policymakers should take note of. Of course, on the other hand, opponents maintain that there's still no justification for using public funds to finance what is essentially a private enterprise -- whether or not baseball is reforming itself. GRETA: How does the University of Minnesota fit into the equation? KHOO: (paraphrased) They pop in and out -- at one point paired with Vikes, but that appears to be off the table. then they had T. Denny Sanford but he's apparently gone...they say they're still committed to having on-campus footba
December 17, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is back in Minnesota today after a two-day visit with National Guard troops keeping the peace in Bosnia. The 1100 Minnesotans stationed there are the largest Minnesota deployment since the Second World War, and are part of a new emphasis on using Guardsmen and women to shoulder the country's growing military obligations. That new reality has left some wondering if they can afford to make the sacrifice. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports from Tuzla, Bosnia.
December 4, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty's call for returning the death penalty to Minnesota is encountering stiff criticism from some who say the governor is trading on the publicity surrounding the disappearance last month of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin. One day after a convicted sex offender was arrested in connection with Sjodin's apparent abduction, Pawlenty said he'd support capital punishment in certain murder or attempted murder cases that involve sexual assault. But that plan is likely to face stiff opposition from lawmakers in both parties. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
December 2, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) said he'll push for a Minnesota death penalty next year as part of a program to combat sex crimes. Pawlenty's statement comes a day after a recently released sex offender was arrested in Crookston in connection with the disappearance last month of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin. Minnesota hasn't had a death penalty case in more than 100 years -- and opponents say they'll fight to keep it that way. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
November 26, 2003 - Minnesotans had grown used to seeing former Governor Jesse Ventura in the national limelight. But they might not have expected Governor Tim Pawlenty to draw much attention from the national press or Washington opinion-leaders. Nonetheless, Pawlenty has maintained a relatively high national profile in the last few months, particularly as he touts his plan to re-import less expensive prescription medicines from Canada. Some observers say it shows astute political instincts. Others say he's may have gone out on a limb. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
October 24, 2003 - One year ago tomorrow (SATURDAY) the Minnesota and national political worlds were thrown into shock and confusion when Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, daughter, and five others were killed in plane crash eleven days before the election. His supporters, his admirers, and those who came to rely on his voice in the Senate say they're still grappling with the loss -- and fighting to advance his agenda. But Wellstone was also a polarizing figure during his political career. He never won election to the Senate with more than 50-percent of the vote. And many of his critics said he was better at giving speeches than at passing bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this look at Wellstone's political legacy.
October 13, 2003 -
October 13, 2003 -