Almanac: At the Capitol

First Governors Debate (06/17/08)

Rudy Perpich was the governor when Almanac went on the air in 1984 ... and in 1986 he was the first governor to participate in an Almanac debate. Here's a classic debate exchange between Perpich and challenger Cal Ludeman from the campaign of 1986.

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.

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.

Former Lawmakers Grapple (04/18/08)

The Northwest-Delta merger is one of the topics on the minds of our panel of former Republican and Democratic legislators. Fritz Knaak, Phil Krinkie, Wes Skoglund and Ember Reichgott Junge sit on the couch.

Minnesota's Presidential Race

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.

1980 to 1986 (12/28/07)

Walter Mondale gives his first interview after losing the 1980 election. A young Paul Wellstone causes a stir at a farm-foreclosure protest. Almanac cameras capture a 1985 gathering of Minnesota's seven living former governors. And Rudy Perpich, the first governor to participate in an Almanac debate, squares off against Cal Ludeman.

Al Quie Looks Back at the Election of 1978 (12/21/07)

Mary Lahammer sat down recently with Governor Quie to talk about the election in which the DFL lost both U.S. Senate seats and the governorship.

2007 Session for the DFL: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly