August 14, 2003 - The two largest state employees unions are recommending that their members reject a new contract proposal that state officials say is their best offer. Talks broke off early this morning when the state and union negotiators failed to find agreement on how to structure health benefits. Union leaders say the plan will drive up out-of-pocket health care expenses. State officials say the increases will be modest given rising costs and the state's budget pinch. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
August 13, 2003 - A behind-the-scenes feud between Governor Tim Pawlenty and DFL Attorney General Mike Hatch spilled into the open today (MONDAY) as House Republicans called for an investigation of Hatch. In response Hatch released letters detailing sharp disagreements between his office and the Pawlenty administration over how to appoint an independent counsel to investigate possible campaign finance abuses. The spat is the latest round in an ongoing series of recriminations between DFL and GOP officials at the state Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
August 12, 2003 - Two of Governor Tim Pawlenty's most important assets are his winning smile and his easy disposition. Even his biggest critics say it's hard not to like him. But political opponents are quick to charge that behind the friendly demeanor lurks a radical agenda that is steering Minnesota off-course. Pawlenty and his allies, however, point to crushing victories at the ballot box last year as evidence that their roadmap is exactly what Minnesotans want. As part of our "Minnesota's Right Turn" series, Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this report.
August 11, 2003 - There is change afoot in Minnesota. Long considered a safe state for Democrats, the state seemed to embrace a new politics last November when Republicans swept all but one of the statewide races, picked up a seat in Congress, and padded their majority in the state House. Just one legislative session later, the new GOP ascendancy is beginning to bear fruit. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo surveys the new political landscape in the first part of our five-part series, "Minnesota's Right Turn."
July 30, 2003 -
July 22, 2003 -
July 18, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty today (FRIDAY) sought to defuse some of the criticisms directed at his business history. On his weekly radio program and during a Minneapolis speech, the governor deflected questions about his ties to a telecommunications firm that's been penalized in three states. But Pawlenty's political opponents says the governor's answers outline a pattern of playing loose with the rules. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
July 16, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty has acknowledged deeper ties to a Republican businessman who oversaw several telecommunications firms -- one of which has been charged with defrauding customers in at least seven states. Pawlenty made his comments during a two-hour press conference yesterday (TUESDAY) that was meant to clarify Pawlenty's role in the controversy, which he maintains was minimal. At the same time, House Democrats say the governor's voting record as a state representative favored phone companies over consumers. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
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July 14, 2003 -