December 5, 2000 - The second hour of Midday and the latest edition of our "Voices of Minnesota" series features the recently retired Catholic Bishop of New Ulm, Raymond Lucker. During his twenty five years of service, his outspoken and liberal views were often controversial. The program also includes Rabbi Bernard Raskes interview and Dan Gunderson report on faith-based healing.
November 30, 2000 - Independence party member James Gibson says he's considering a run for governor in 2002, even if the race would pit him against his party's most popular politician, Governor Jesse Ventura. Gibson, a software developer who failed in his bid for the U.S. Senate this year, says running against Ventura in the party primary would allow for a vigorous campaign including debates and other events to bring voters to the party. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 29, 2000 - The Mayflower church in southwest Minneapolis has sponsored boy scout troop 187 for over 70 years, almost as long as the church has been in existence. The church also has one of the most liberal policies toward welcoming gay and lesbian members, and ordaining gay clergy. So in the months since the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the right of the Boy Scouts of America to ban gay scoutmasters, church members and others involved with the troop say their values are in conflict, and they're wondering how best to seek changes in the policy. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 22, 2000 - MPR's Amy Radil reports on financial struggles within the Independence Party of Minnesota. A campaign season that brought the Independence Party many candidates but no winners has also left the organization broke. Party officials say a combination of legal expenses, website maintenance costs and campaign costs have the party facing a deficit of about $20,000. Party leaders call the debt "miniscule" and say it's the price they pay for not accepting special interest money.
November 21, 2000 - Adressing a sold-out crowd at the Minneapolis Hilton Monday, former South African president Nelson Mandela spoke of the need for people on opposite sides of debates to respect one another, and of the ability of the U.S. to influence attitudes on racism around the world. His message was above all a hopeful one that any society can acheive justice. Mandela declined to express an opinion on the U.S. presidential election, but spoke glowingly of President Clinton's efforts to reach out to African nations. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 15, 2000 - Former Green party presidential candidate Ralph Nader appeared in St. Paul Tuesday, pledging to continue his challenge to the two-party system and big money in politics. He said the situation in Florida could lead to promising election reforms around the country. But he said the system, from campaign finance to media coverage, will likely remain hostile to third parties. However, a standing-room crowd of supporters attended his talk at St. Thomas University, and said his presidential run laid the groundwork for change. Minnesota PUblic Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 13, 2000 - Months ago when leaders of the National Congress of American Indians planned their annual meeting, to be held this week in St. Paul, they expected to strategize on working with the next presidential administration. But with election results on hold, the advocacy group for Indian nations must consider scenarios involving either a Democrat OR a Republican in the White House. While they say the Clinton Administration has left a largely positive legacy on Native American issues which Al Gore would be expected to continue, statements by George W. Bush on the campaign trail have some members of the organization worried. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 9, 2000 - The Republicans have at least for now taken back Minnesota's second district, unseating four term democratic Congressman David Minge. Republican Mark Kennedy's victory was by the slimmest of margins... he won by less than five hundred votes. But the democrat plans to challenge the results with recount lawsuit. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports...
November 8, 2000 - Minnesota will remain a tripartisan government in the next legislative session following Tuesdays balloting. Republicans picked up one seat in the Minnesota Senate, but DFLers maintain a majority of twelve votes there. Meanwhile, Republicans in the House retained their majority but by the slimmest of margins Tuesday, with their lead over House D-F-Lers shrinking from seven to four. House D-F-Lers defended all of their open seats in addition to picking up two Republican districts. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 7, 2000 - Minnesota enters election day with a status few would've expected when this long campaign season began -- a battleground state in a tight race for the presidency. George W. Bush's strong showing, along with Green party candidate Ralph Nader's popularity, gave Minnesotans a surprise front-row seat to this year's expensive, hard-fought presidential race. After years of seeing the Iowa caucuses hog the limelight, Minnesota's political junkies were thrilled. Some theorize that Minnesota's new identity as a two-party state is long overdue. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.