Politics from Minnesota Public Radio

Dems nail down 60 votes; health reform marches on

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:45:20 -0600

Invoking the name of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united Saturday night to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama. There was not a vote to spare.

Minn. House tells court Pawlenty abused budget law

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:22:11 -0600

Lawyers for the Minnesota House spell out in a 34-page brief why they believe Gov. Tim Pawlenty misused a state law to enact budget cuts without legislative consent.

The tale behind 'The Messenger'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0600

A new film opening in the Twin Cities this week called "The Messenger" tells the story of two soldiers on casualty notification duty -- telling next of kin about the death of a soldier.

Minn. GOP biggest user of tax break Pawlenty axed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:57 -0600

There's more evidence that Minnesota Republicans were hit hardest by the recent elimination of a state tax refund for political contributions.

Kelliher picks up third union endorsement

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:04:00 -0600

Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher has picked up her third union endorsement for her gubernatorial campaign.

Senate set to vote Saturday on heath care legislation

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:17:58 -0600

The U.S. Senate is set for a crucial vote Saturday night on one of President Obama's signature issues - overhauling the health care system. Former Republican Sen. David Durenberger, dubbed "Senator Health" when he was in the Senate, joins Midday to discuss the political and policy controversies over health care reform.

Minneapolis elections officials nearing final IRV report

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0600

The hand count of ballots cast in Minneapolis' first ever election using instant runoff voting is coming to a close and Minneapolis elections officials will soon start to compile a report about the city's new experience.

Critics call Pawlenty's radio show too partisan

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0600

Democrats say Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been using his weekly radio program to promote his national ambitions, which they say is a misuse of Minnesota airwaves.

R.T. Rybak declared unofficial winner in election count

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:21:17 -0600

Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak was declared the unofficial winner of the city's mayoral race this afternoon.

Commission approves plan to renew Vikings' dome lease

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:37:02 -0600

The commission that operates the Metrodome has approved a plan aimed at keeping the Minnesota Vikings in the stadium past the current lease expiration in 2011, even as the team says the move threatens the Vikings' future in Minnesota.

Minn. property taxes to rise an average of 3.5%

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:16:53 -0600

State officials say property tax rates will increase an average of 3.5 percent when proposed local levies are adopted later this year.

2nd union backs Kelliher in Minn. governor's race

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:36:57 -0600

Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher has picked up her second union endorsement in the governor's race.

In Moorhead, school funding woes concern entire city

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 -0600

Nine of every 10 Minnesota schools now depend on voter-approved tax increases to pay their bills. But what happens when voters reject a tax increase and schools make deep budget cuts? That's what happened in Moorhead, and budget woes for schools are affecting the entire city.

The Sarah Palin factor

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin brings out strong opinions, from people in her own party and from others across the political spectrum. Experts on conservatives and women in politics talk about what Palin's possible political career means.

Former Sen. Norm Coleman: U.S. has moved to the right

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:51:52 -0600

In an address to the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University Tuesday, former Minnesota GOP Sen. Norm Coleman said America is a "center-right" nation now.