Almanac: At the Capitol

The Minnesota Massacre (08/14/08)

November 8, 1978 was an election night dubbed "the Minnesota Massacre" by a generation of DFLers. Republicans took over the governor's office and the two U.S. Senate seats. As the returns came in, KTCA crews were there to record the scene. Let's take a look back at this historic night.

Minnesota's Twin Peaks? (06/03/08)

The 1990 election will be long remembered for its antics. Often best remembered today by the upset senate win of Paul Wellstone, the election also featured a governor's race that can only be termed bizarre. Just two weeks before the election, republican nominee Jon Grunseth faced accusations that he had gone swimming nude with teenage girls. The political swirl that resulted made Almanac staffers think of the hit TV show at the time "Twin Peaks." Take a look.

Arne's Farewell (05/27/08)

Arne Carlson succeeded Rudy Perpich in office and would serve two full terms. Carlson was known as a battler, but he showed a different side in his touching farewell speech to lawmakers in the spring of 1998. We thought it was worth another look.

1990 Debate (04/23/08)

Just days after the Jon Grunseth scandal broke in the 1990 campaign, Arne Carlson entered the race as a third option to Grunseth and Rudy Perpich. It was a race that featured just one televised governor's debate and it took place in the KTCA studios. It would turn out to be the most watched debate in Channel 2 history.

The Legislative Week in Review (03/14/08)

Our Mary Lahammer explores the question of how frequently and how well lawmakers are communicating with Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Minnesota's Presidential Race

A Push for Non-Partisan Redistricting (01/11/08)

A blue ribbon committee is advocating for a new way to select legislative districts after the 2010 Census. Former Governor Arne Carlson and ex-Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe join us in the studio to explain this new approach.

The Wrapup (12/28/07)

We end our look at a half century of Minnesota political history with a collection of our favorite bloopers and humorous moments.

1995 to 1998 (12/28/07)

Harold Stassen talks about being the last living signatory to the United Nations Charter. Rudy Perpich gives his final TV interview. Governor Arne Carlson offers a heart-felt farewell speech to Minnesota lawmakers. And days before the 1998 election, Ventura, Humphrey and Coleman debate on the Almanac couch.

1990 to 1992 (12/28/07)

In the wake of scandal, Jon Grunseth drops out of the governor's race two weeks before the election. KTCA airs its most-watched governors debate. In one of the most memorable moments in Minnesota debate history, Eric Eskola mediates Paul Wellstone and Rudy Boschwitz's heated exchange. Dave Durenberger discusses his controversial book deal. And Eugene McCarthy makes his fifth and final bid for president.