Story archive for
Martin Kaste
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| Date |
Title |
Description |
| 02/03/2000 |
In a Fightin' Mood |
A key state Senate committee has voted overwhelmingly against Governor Ventura's choice for commerce commissioner. The vote is a strong indication that the full Senate will also vote against the nominee, former Minneapolis city council member Steve Minn, and many Senators say Ventura should regard the action as a rebuke for what they see as his uncooperative governing style. |
| 02/02/2000 |
Vento Leaves Congress to Fight Cancer |
Fourth District Congressman Bruce Vento surprised the political world by announcing he has been diagnosed with cancer and will not run for re-election this fall. The 12-term Democrat issued a written statement saying he wants to focus his energies on his treatment. |
| 01/27/2000 |
How Much Tax Relief? |
A report shows lobbyists and political action committees spent nearly $10 million to influence Minnesota politics in 1998. The study's author says most of that money is unregulated, and virtually impossible for the public to track. The report is prompting calls for restrictions on campaign spending, but party officials and special interests are already lining up to oppose any limits. |
| 01/14/2000 |
Ventura Releases Spending Plan |
Governor Ventura says he wants to "get control" of the amount of money the state borrows by selling bonds for capital projects. Ventura has announced his bonding recommendations for the coming legislative session, and the $468 million package is smaller than what Democrats were hoping for. Republicans in the Legislature are more pleased with his relatively small bonding proposal, but they say they disagree with some of his spending priorities. |
| 01/12/2000 |
GOP Tries to Avoid Tax Showdown |
During the legislative debate over income tax cuts last year, Republicans took a lot of hits for supposedly favoring the wealthiest Minnesotans. DFLers complained loudly about how most of the savings in the Republican proposals seemed to go to the upper income-bracket; a criticism occasionally echoed by Governor Ventura. This time around, Republican Speaker Steve Sviggum is doing his best to avoid that criticism. |
| 01/10/2000 |
A New Road Map |
Governor Ventura is proposing a $250 million-a-year hike in the state's transportation budget, with an increased emphasis on mass transit. Republican leaders have also been talking about spending more on transportation this year, but when they say "transportation," they mean "roads." |
| 01/05/2000 |
Love in the Fine Print |
Saint Paul public school officials say recent test scores indicate their schools and students are moving in the right direction. District leaders released results from last fall's Metropolitan Achievement Tests, which show gains at nearly every grade level and in most schools. |
| 01/03/2000 |
A Year of Jesse |
Jesse Ventura, a.k.a. Jim Janos and Jesse the Body, took office as governor of Minnesota one year ago. Ventura was easily the biggest act in the world of Minnesota politics in 1999. But 12 months into his term, some of the hype has begun to fade, and Minnesotans inside and outside politics are beginning to think of him as just another elected official. |
| 12/14/1999 |
Battling Seals |
A San Diego newspaper reveals that Jesse Ventura was not actually a Navy SEAL. Ventura says he was SEAL-qualified, but the revelation has whipped up a debate among Navy veterans about whether Ventura has stolen their honor. |
| 12/08/1999 |
Too Many Democrats? |
Democratic strategists are uneasy about the big, contentious field of candidates for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. Some are already worried about a replay of 1998, when five DFLers slugged it out in the gubernatorial primary. |
| 11/29/1999 |
Governor Wellstone? |
Saint Paul School District officials say they want more public input on their plans to end the social promotion of students. School board members and administrators discussed the proposed promotion and retention policy, but a final vote won't come until early next year. |
| 11/15/1999 |
The Reform Party Looks for a Direction |
Americans enjoy unlimited benefits from new technologies in a wired world. But those wires send information in two directions, and the access to our personal data has never been more open for abuse. |
| 11/09/1999 |
The Train to Osaka |
In a few hours, it will be Wednesday morning in Japan, the day Governor Ventura returns to Minnesota. Ventura spent the last day-and-a-half finishing up business in Tokyo, then riding the Bullet Train to the industrial city of Osaka for an overnight visit on his way home. The governor seems to be very satisfied with the way his Japan trip has gone. |
| 11/08/1999 |
Why the Difference? |
Governor Ventura visited a model Tokyo High School early this morning, and, as usual, he was a big hit with the kids. His philosophy of smaller class sizes was also popular among the students, who say Japan might have something to learn from the U.S. when it comes to giving children individualized attention. |
| 11/05/1999 |
Minnesota Farmers Get a Deal |
Today was agriculture day in Governor Ventura's trade mission to Japan. Ventura announced a new export deal for a farmer-owned pork packaging company from western Minnesota, and hailed the contract as the best hope for family farmers who want to preserve their way of life. |
| 11/04/1999 |
MnSCU Debate Reaches Japan |
A controversy over the cost of higher education caught up with Governor Ventura on the second day of his visit to Japan. The Board of MnSCU has been considering closing down its Japan campus, citing the high cost of supporting a school with low enrollment. The possibility of a shutdown spurred students from the Japan campus to rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to try to get Governor Ventura on their side. |
| 11/03/1999 |
Ventura's Plays Wrestling Ties |
Governor Ventura started his first full day in Japan with a nod, or bow, to his wrestling background, and he's also getting the first real sense of how well-known he is Japan, and for what reasons. |
| 11/01/1999 |
Ventura Ready for Japan's Stage |
Governor Ventura leaves Monday on a ten-day trade mission to Japan. This isn't the first time a Minnesota governor has gone there; Governor Carlson visited there in 1992, but it is safe to say this is the first governor with some name-recognition among the Japanese. |
| 10/28/1999 |
Buchanan on Ventura Turf |
Next week, St. Paul voters will decide whether to approve Mayor Norm Coleman's plan to build a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in the city's downtown. Supporters and opponents argue back and forth on the economic impact a stadium could provide, but both sides seem to agree the finances of Major League Baseball are in disarray, leaving small market teams like the Twins at a competitive disadvantage. |
| 10/25/1999 |
The Buchanan Effect |
What happens to the Reform Party in Minnesota with Patrick Buchanan as its standard-bearer. |
| 10/21/1999 |
Carlson Unveils Official Portrait |
Arne Carlson has joined the pantheon of former governors whose portraits hang in the hallways of the state Capitol. |
| 10/20/1999 |
Kelley Announces for U.S. Senate |
State Senator Steve Kelley has added his name to the list of DFLers vying to challenge U.S. Senator Rod Grams in 2000. |
| 10/13/1999 |
Ciresi Announces for Senate |
Republican incumbent Rod Grams was the candidate with the most money in the bank for the 2000 U.S. Senate race. That title now goes to Democrat Michael Ciresi, who officially entered the race and brought with him the millions of dollars he earned on Minnesota's landmark tobacco lawsuit last year. |
| 10/07/1999 |
Mr. Ventura Goes to Harvard |
Ventura visits Harvard students and faculty behind closed doors, and says they seem to appreciate him more than reporters do. |
| 10/05/1999 |
The Big Plan Revealed |
Governor Ventura took his cabinet to Mankato yesterday for the official roll-out of what he calls his "Big Plan." The Plan is the governor's comprehensive vision for the rest of his term in office, and it emphasizes his philosophy of governing, rather than offering specific new policy proposals. The few legislators who attended the speech reacted with caution, and at least one lawmaker says he has a hard time taking Ventura's policy statements seriously, in light of Ventura's Playboy interview. |
| 10/02/1999 |
Playboy Fallout Hits Capitol |
Governor Ventura continued to dismiss the criticism of his interview in Playboy Magazine Friday. On his weekly radio show, he called the controversy a "rhubarb," and blamed it on news media that misinterprets him and a political culture that can't handle honesty. The state's more-traditional political leaders, meanwhile, say they still hope the governor will reconsider his position and offer an apology; they say his defiant attitude could hurt his relationship with the Legislature. |
| 10/01/1999 |
Playboy Interview Puts Ventura in Crisis Mode |
Governor Ventura has offered an explanation for the controversial interview he gave Playboy magazine, but he's stopping short of an apology. |
| 09/07/1999 |
The Politics of the Profile |
Opponents of Minnesota's new education system say it's the first step in stripping some personal freedoms. They say the Profile of Learning will be the hottest political topic in next year's legislative races. |
| 09/02/1999 |
Targeting Grams |
As summer winds down, Minnesota's political operatives are turning their attention to the next statewide election: the U.S. Senate seat on the ballot in November, 2000. The race is getting special attention from national political strategists, as Democrats see an opportunity to defeat Rod Grams, a Republican incumbent who's not doing well in opinion polls. But state and national Republican leaders say they're confident in Grams' ability to hold the seat. |
| 08/23/1999 |
Ventura Steps Into the Ring |
Jesse Ventura's return to wresting as referee proves to be tame. |
| 08/13/1999 |
Politics Where Pork Is King |
Iowa takes its presidential politics seriously, and for good reason. It may be the only time in the next four years that the candidates consider agriculture's plight. |
| 07/30/1999 |
Gore Makes Early Fund-Raising Stop in Twin Cities |
Vice President Al Gore arrived in Minnesota July 29 to raise money and deliver a speech. Many top DFLers showed up at the fund-raiser, but others say they're looking for an alternative to Gore in 2000. |
| 07/26/1999 |
Now What? |
The forces backed by Governor Jesse Ventura have taken control of the Reform Party. But with Ventura saying he doesn't want to run for president, where does the party go from here? |
| 07/12/1999 |
Is "The Body" Back? |
The governor and officials with the World Wrestling Federation will say only that he's going "back in the ring." |
| 06/30/1999 |
It's His Party Now |
The national momentum of the Reform Party has slowed. Governor Jesse Ventura thinks he knows why: Ross Perot. |
| 06/25/1999 |
Schtick to Business |
On his weekly radio show, the governor clashes with those who say he's putting too much "schtick" into the office. |
| 06/18/1999 |
Psst! Want to Buy a Stadium? |
Governor Ventura proposes a stadium idea and leaves officials wondering if he's serious, or just trying to be funny. |
| 06/08/1999 |
A Lesson Learned? |
Does the Honeywell closing teach state officials anything about keeping companies here? |
| 05/18/1999 |
Legislators Beat the Clock |
All sides in Minnesota's new form of government claim victory as session ends. |
| 05/13/1999 |
Spending Deal Doesn't Please Everybody |
Legislators get a lot of what they want; and what they don't. |
| 05/12/1999 |
Deal Struck, More Issues Remain for Legislature |
But agreement on taxes and education spending shows three-party system can work. |
| 05/06/1999 |
The MPR Equation |
Legislators may continue funding public broadcasting. The question is whether MPR is part of the plan. |
| 04/29/1999 |
A House Undivided |
A long-debated idea resurfaces at the Capitol: legislators voting themselves out of a job. |
| 04/27/1999 |
House Boosts School Funding |
Republican-controlled chamber passes bill and sets up another showdown with the Senate. |
| 04/14/1999 |
Split Decision |
An MPR-Pioneer Press poll shows a nearly-even split over whether the budget surplus should be returned or spent. |
| 04/14/1999 |
Senate Stunned by House Vote. |
Republicans and Democrats team up, and lob a political grenade over to the Senate. |
| 04/12/1999 |
The First 100 Days |
Everybody thought a Ventura administration would be interesting. Everybody was right. |
| 04/01/1999 |
The Politics of Pie |
"Pie attacks" on politicians are changing the atmosphere at the Capitol. |
| 03/25/1999 |
Peddling Influence? |
Common Cause says the link between contributions to Ventura and jobs he handed out can't be ignored. |
| 03/02/1999 |
The New Alliance |
Ventura espousing Democratic principles. Republicans are feeling left out. |
| 02/26/1999 |
Reporter's Notebook |
Martin Kaste travels to Washington with Governor Ventura, and finds out why the governor likes the DC press corps better. |
| 02/25/1999 |
Ventura Apologizes |
Flap over "Irish" comment masks extent of behind-the-scene political battles at the Capitol. |
| 02/18/1999 |
That Old Magic |
On the defensive at the Capitol, Ventura finds campaign atmosphere still exists on Main Street. |
| 02/15/1999 |
Claim Your Money |
With the state ready to give back more money, some taxpayers aren't claiming what's already been returned. |
| 02/10/1999 |
End of the Honeymoon? |
Once his voting base, college students turn on Governor Ventura at Capitol protest. |
| 02/08/1999 |
Rebate Debate |
Senate approves sales-tax rebate. But don't plan to spend the money yet. |
| 01/29/1999 |
Who'll Get the Money? |
Here's a comparison of the various rebate plans at the Capitol. |
| 01/29/1999 |
Governor Proposes First Budget |
Ventura gets high grades for reform-minded budget. |
| 01/14/1999 |
Ventura Proposes Sales Tax Rebate |
The legislative lines are drawn for a battle over how lawmakers will return the budget surplus to Minnesotans. |
| 09/11/1998 |
Ted Mondale: The Environment |
Remove redundancy within local state environmental agencies; Control urban sprawl. |
| 09/11/1998 |
Norm Coleman: The Environment |
Opposes feedlot moratoriums until further scientific proof is provided; Private sector to provide re-development solutions. |
| 09/01/1998 |
Ted Mondale: Crime |
Create a position to oversee state anti-crime programs; view crime as a public health problem. |
| 09/01/1998 |
Norm Coleman: Crime |
Standardize the permitting process for concealed weapons; strengthen the State Gang Task Force. |
| 08/26/1998 |
Ted Mondale: Economic Development |
Provide free college tuition for students with a B average; ultivate relationships with existing businesses in Minnesota. |
| 08/26/1998 |
Norm Coleman: Economic Development |
Provide business with incentives to increase growth; treat professional sports like any other business. |
| 08/21/1998 |
Farmers' Voices |
The Voters' Voice finds farmers feeling neglected by a majority of gubernatorial candidates during this difficult harvest. |
| 08/20/1998 |
Ted Mondale: Health Care |
Pay for part of the elderly's prescription costs; better public awareness of MinnesotaCare. |
| 08/20/1998 |
Norm Coleman: Health Care |
Use tobacco settlement to reduce MinnesotaCare tax; encourage greater competition within the HMO industry. |
| 08/10/1998 |
Ted Mondale: Welfare |
$15 million for training workers on the verge of welfare; provide incentives for becoming self-sufficient. |
| 08/10/1998 |
Norm Coleman: Welfare |
Tax credits rather than new programs; welfare as a short-term solution. |
| 08/04/1998 |
Norm Coleman on Taxes |
Remove unreasonable tax burdens; take hard line with public employees to reduce spending. |
| 08/03/1998 |
Ted Mondale on Taxes |
Reduce the half-cent addition to sales tax; use state employee attrition to cut expenses. |
| 07/30/1998 |
Norm Coleman on Education |
Tax breaks to aid school expenses for parents; merit pay for superior teachers. |
| 07/28/1998 |
Mondale on Education |
Higher expectations of students; more state financing of higher education. |
| 06/16/1998 |
Norm Coleman: "Counter Culture" Candidate |
Supporters say Coleman's message appeals to a wide spectrum of Republicans, opponents say he's getting undue support from party leadership and big business. |
| 01/02/1998 |
Rural Gangs |
Once considered a metro-only issue, gang-related crime is being addressed in rural Minnesota. |
| 10/06/1997 |
North Carolina Baseball Politics |
If the Twins relocate to North Carolina, it may feel just like home - complete with political and economic uncertainty for the team. |
| 10/03/1997 |
Is North Carolina Ready? |
Although Carl Pohlad has made clear his intenions to move the Twins to North Carolina, it remains to be seen if the team is welcome. |
| 07/30/1997 |
Wasting Time on the Net |
When employees like spend half the workday surfing the Internet, bosses reach for technological solutions. But are they effective? MPR's Martin Kaste reports. |
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