June 13, 2002 - The Republican Party holds its state convention this week and the main order of business will be endorsing a candidate for governor. There are two candidates vying for the endorsement, Orono businessman Brian Sullivan and House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty of Eagan. Both candidates say they'll abide by the parties endorsement which could make things interesting since recent straw polls show the two are in a virtual dead heat. This week we're profiling both candidates. Today we'll look at Tim Pawlenty, who says his experience and background are the main reasons delegates should choose him. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
June 12, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on the final Republican debate before the state's party convention later this week. House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty of Eagan, and Orono businessman Brian Sullivan are engaged in a close race to win the party's endorsement. Both candidates say they'll drop out of the race if delegates choose their opponent.
June 6, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that members of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission could vote on a proposed settlement with Major League Baseball and the Minnesota Twins. The commission, which owns and operates the Metrodome, filed suit against the two entities after the league announced that it wanted to eliminate two teams. No teams were named, but the Twins were considered a top candidate.
June 6, 2002 - The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has approved a settlement with the Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball that ensures the team will play the 2003 season. The settlement completes a seven-month legal battle between the commission and Major League Baseball which started when the league announced that it wanted to eliminate two teams. The Twins weren't named specifically but were considered a top candidate. Commission and league officials say this will help the Twins in their quest for a new ballpark. But one player says it's only one step in making sure baseball is played at all next season. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 29, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has delayed a vote on a proposed settlement that would keep the Minnesota Twins in the Metrodome through the 2003 season. In exchange, the commission would drop its lawsuit against the team and league. Commission members say they're committed to keeping the Twins in the state but say they want the settlement in writing before they vote.
May 22, 2002 - The state of Minnesota and two state worker unions have re-signed a contract that will continue to provide pay and health benefits for the state's workers. The contracts technically expired on Monday after the Legislature failed to ratify them during the Legislative session. The agreement effectively works around the refusal of House Republicans to agree to the contracts. They objected because part of the contract includes benefits for same-sex couples. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 20, 2002 - Governor Ventura says he will make a quick decision on which projects he'll cut from the Legislature's 979 million dollar bonding bill. Ventura said the bill is too large, especially after lawmakers overrode his veto of the budget balancing bill. The governor also says he has concerns about a proposed requirement that would require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 16, 2002 - Governor Ventura and other supporters of the Northstar Commuter Rail Line say they have renewed hope that funding for the project will be included in the state's still-evolving bonding bill. Lawmakers worked feverishly last night to pass the bonding bill and still have enough time to override a veto. But talks broke down as negotiators disagreed over funding for anti-terrorism equipment. Last night's compromise didn't include Northstar funding, but Ventura may use his line item veto authority to influence legislators to reconsider their agreement. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 9, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura re-entered budget negotiations as the legislative session heads into its final stages. Ventura called legislative leaders to his office to tell them what he expected in the proposed budget balancing plan, transportation financing package and bonding bill.
May 9, 2002 - A bill that appeared to be on the fast track in the Minnesota Legislature hit a stumbling block yesterday (Weds) in a House Committee. The bill would give voters the option of deciding if they want a portion of the state's sales tax to go towards conservation and envirnomental programs. But one lawmaker says voters should also be allowed to decide if they want another portion of the state's sales tax to go towards education. The move prompted several supporters to say some House DFLers are playing political games in an effort to kill the bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....