Politics Friday

Politics Friday podcast art
Politics Friday
MPR News

On Fridays, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst discusses Minnesota politics — the latest from the legislature, election news and more. Join us Fridays at noon for interviews with lawmakers, candidates and political experts, including the MPR News politics reporting team.

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What’s next for the budget surplus — will there be a special session?
It’s been nearly two weeks since the Legislature went home after missing its deadline to pass tax and spending bills. DFL Gov. Tim Walz and Democrats who control the House want a special session to finish the job, but Republicans in charge of the Senate aren’t on board. MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with political reporters from MPR News, the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press about what happens now and how it plays into this year’s political campaign.
The race in Minnesota’s first Congressional District and what's next at the Capitol
Republican Brad Finstad and Democrat Jeff Ettinger will face off in the August special election to fill the remainder of the term of the late U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn. Each won their party primary this week. MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with them both and also about what’s next after the Legislature ended its session without passing tax cut and spending bills. 
DFL to hold its state convention in Rochester
On the heels of a GOP state convention that featured several contested endorsements, it’s Minnesota Democrats' turn to gather in Rochester. But there’s much less suspense because DFLers already hold all of Minnesota’s statewide offices.
GOP delegates weigh in as party holds state convention in Rochester
Politics Friday broadcasted live on Friday from the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester for Minnesota’s Republican State Convention.
Reactions to possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned; plus remembering Walter Mondale
The leak of a draft Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has sparked questions about access to abortion, other rights at risk and how this issue will define the midterm elections. We’ll get reaction from Democratic Sen. Tina Smith and state Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake. Plus, historian Jon Meacham remembers Walter Mondale.
Voting and elections with Secretary of State Steve Simon
Can you trust that your vote will be fairly counted? MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with Secretary of State Steve Simon about election integrity and what’s happening to secure your right to vote. Plus a reporter round up with MPR politics reporter Tim Pugmire and Dana Ferguson, capitol correspondent from the Forum News Service.
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rich Stanek and author of 'Democracy Under Fire' Lawrence Jacobs
This week host Mike Mulcahy continues our conversations with Republican candidates for Minnesota governor. Plus, author and University of Minnesota professor Lawrence R. Jacobs joins the program to discuss his new book, “Democracy Under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History.”
Meet three Republican candidates for Minnesota governor
A month before the Republican convention, MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with three of the Republicans who hope to challenge Gov. Tim Walz: Sen. Paul Gazelka, former business executive Kendall Qualls and Sen. Michelle Benson. Plus a conversation with NPR Senior Political Editor Domenico Montanaro.
Competing visions for Minnesota’s $9.25 billion budget surplus
Tax and spending bills are shaping up at the Minnesota Legislature. Politics editor and host Mike Mulcahy talks with House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Anne Neu Brindley, R-North Branch.
Will the Legislature pass paid family leave?
Are more Minnesota workers closer to getting paid time off work to bond with a child, cope with illness, or care for sick family members?  Host Mike Mulcahy talks with two state legislators about different proposals for paid family leave. Plus, should Minnesota pay for school breakfasts and lunches for all students?