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Rudy Perpich

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

Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 3:59 pm
by Mary Lahammer

The Clinton and Obama camps keep growing in Minnesota. Clinton's campaign just held a press conference led by House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. They announced a bunch of new endorsements in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Rochester. No earth-shattering names, but the campaign's continued activity is interesting. As the second female speaker of the House, Kelliher noted, of course, that Clinton would be the first female president and "she'll be ready on day one." Sen. Scott Dibble added his support. Minneapolis City Council President Barb Johnson said she never imagined that when she graduated from an all-girls high school that she could have a female president, "the thought never crossed my mind."

Meanwhile Obama's camp announced the first presidential TV ads will start running in our state. They obviously have been running a long time in states like Iowa with early tests and even in Arizona which has the same Super Tuesday schedule. I was inundated with Clinton and Obama ads watching Phoenix TV on my recent visit.

Politicos are really buzzing about the new Survey USA poll showing McCain beating both Obama and Clinton in Minnesota. In it McCain has 49% support running against Obama at 42% and Clinton at 45%. That has people wondering if it hurts or helps Pawlenty's VP potential. A VP is supposed to deliver their homestate, but we've been going pretty blue for president for decades. One thought has this poll helping TPaw's chances at the number two slot, the other would say McCain may not need Pawlenty. I think McCain probably fits the mold of those maverick independent voters who elected figures like Rudy Perpich, Arne Carlson and Jesse Ventura.

The Clinton and Obama camps keep growing in Minnesota. Clinton's campaign just held a press conference led by House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. They announced a bunch of new endorsements in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Rochester. No earth-shattering names, but the campaign's continued activity is interesting.
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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

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 8:14 am
by Ember Reichgott Junge

The Good


The session finished on time. Kudos to Speaker Kelliher who drove the session to a close, from first day to last, even though House Republicans did everything in final hours to make sure that didn't happen.

The session tone changed remarkably. There may have been raised voices behind closed doors, but public outbursts were minimal. Civility reigned. The final day everyone "agreed to disagree." That is a world away from nasty attacks of sessions past.

Leadership in both the House and Senate performed admirably. Senate leaders Pogemiller and Senjem set the tone for two parties working together, and set a reasonable work pace with few long nights at the end. Speaker Kelliher and Minority Leader Seifert had a more feisty relationship, but few fault Kelliher's fairness. All of this builds an important foundation for trust and future relationships — both of which were sorely lacking in past years.

Several groundbreaking initiatives were passed and signed into law. The smoking ban will have great impact on long-term health costs. The environment and energy initiatives — setting standards for use of renewable energy and for reduction of carbon dioxide emissions — put Minnesota in the lead right behind California. Job well done!

Democrats began turning the big ship of state around. The ship has been going in the wrong direction for over six years ... it can't turn around overnight! They plugged the holes to stop the leaking ... like with special education funding. They played "catch up" by refilling vessels of fuel emptied from cuts in 2003, such as early childhood funding.

The Bad


Democrats are victims of their own expectations. They raised them too high and now must explain to Minnesotans why they did not do more. Under more modest expectations, the above successes would look resounding.

Democrats took bad votes that didn't pass into law. That may come back to haunt them. The Senate decision to raise income taxes to the highest tax rate in the nation will be heard loud and clear in 2008 elections ... for the House.

Democrats never articulated a real vision to engage Minnesotans. Remember Gov. Perpich's "Brainpower State?" That was a vision we could all strive for — no matter what the issue. Now that DFLers changed the tone within the Capitol, let's work on changing the tone outside those walls and energizing the public with a real vision for Minnesota.

The Ugly


It ain't over until it's over. Governor Pawlenty's actions in the next week may turn some of this on its head.

Traffic congestion grows. We use more gas as its price skyrockets.

The Taxpayers League convinced middle income people to oppose tax increases that impacted them in only one way: property tax relief. Now that's ugly.

The Good


The session finished on time. Kudos to Speaker Kelliher who drove the session to a close, from first day to last, even though House Republicans did everything in final hours to make sure that didn't happen.
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