Amy Jean Klobuchar is an American Democrat politician and lawyer, who is currently representing Minnesota in the United States Senate.
Born May 25th, 1960 in Plymouth, Minnesota, Klobuchar first foray into politics was advocating to the Minnesota Legislature on a bill that would guarantee new mothers a 48-hour hospital stay. She later became Hennepin County attorney from 1999 to 2007. Klobuchar was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, becoming Minnesota's first elected female United States senator, and since reelected in 2012 and 2018. Klobuchar sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination from February 2019 to May 2020.
July 11, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that Ford Bell has dropped out of the race for U.S. Senate. Bell intended to challenge Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar in a September primary. But he says difficulty raising money led to his withdrawal. Bell's announcement now clears the way for Klobuchar, the DFL endorsed candidate for Senate, to face Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy.
July 25, 2006 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on the television ads of two candidates running for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat. Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy hit the airwaves today with a minute-long ad touting his background. His DFL opponent, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, focuses her ads more on her experience as a prosecutor.
August 4, 2006 - The Republican-endorsed candidate for Minnesota's U.S. Senate race stepped up his criticism of his chief opponent. Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy said DFLer Amy Klobuchar has not taken a clear stance regarding the war in Iraq. Kennedy also questioned the way Klobuchar is portraying herself in the campaign and called her another liberal lawyer. Kennedy, who is trailing in the polls, said Minnesota's Senate race could determine which party controls the Senate next year. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck presents report, including political commentary.
August 18, 2006 - Amy Klobuchar, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, was in Duluth to campaign with Eighth District Congressman Jim Oberstar. They called for an increase in the minimum wage. Klobuchar said people in small towns across Minnesota are feeling the effects of Bush administration policies -- policies she says have led to higher costs for gas, health care, and education.
September 1, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Scheck presents a summary report of U.S. Senate debate at Minnesota State Fair. The three major party endorsed candidates running for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat held a heated debate on health care, the war in Iraq and tax policy.
September 20, 2006 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on debate of top candidates in U.S. Senate race. The hour-long forum was hosted by AARP, WCCO Radio and Twin Cities Public Television. Republican Mark Kennedy and DFLer Amy Klobuchar spent a large part of the time disagreeing on their positions and dispelling each other’s attacks, while Independence Party Member Robert Fitzgerald stated he was the alternative to the two other candidates.
September 21, 2006 - Amy Klobuchar's U.S. Senate campaign is looking for a new communications director after firing chief spokeswoman Tara McGuinness earlier this week. The DFLer's campaign issued a statement yesterday saying McGuinness was let go after she viewed an unreleased TV ad for Republican candidate Mark Kennedy that she may have accessed illegally. Kennedy's campaign has responded with questions, but not accusations. MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on situation, interviews blogger, and gets commentary from members of tech industry.
October 6, 2006 - Health care is emerging as one of the big issues in this year's campaign for U.S. Senate. Democrat Amy Klobuchar, Republican Mark Kennedy and Independence Party candidate Robert Fitzgerald have all proposed ways to provide more health insurance coverage by controlling the cost of health care. As part of our look at the issues in this year's campaign, MPR's Tom Scheck looks at what the candidates are saying about health care and whether their promises add up.
October 12, 2006 - Minnesota's Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate candidates are sharply divided on issues surrounding taxes and economic growth. DFL-er Amy Klobuchar says rolling back tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans would generate tens of billions of dollars that could be used to balance the budget and fund new programs. Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy insists those tax cuts are responsible for economic growth and the creation of millions of jobs. As part of our look at the issues in this year's U.S. Senate race, MPR's Mark Zdechlik reports on candidate’s view on taxes.
October 16, 2006 - As part of our “Meet the Candidates” series, preseneted is a broadcast of Meet the Press debate between Minnesota U.S. Senate candidates Amy Klobuchar and Mark Kennedy. The two debated on issues such as Iraq and tax policy. Debate was moderated by Tim Russert, Meet the Press host. Program closes with follow-up commentary by political analysts Bob Meek and Tom Horner.