Politics Friday

We’re four days away from Super Tuesday and it’s Minnesota’s chance to vote in the first presidential primary since 1992.

On this edition of Politics Friday, host Mike Mulcahy sits down with Secretary of State Steve Simon and Minnesota IT Service Commissioner Tarek Tomes to talk about election security. Later in the hour, two experts join Mike to talk about the presidential race ahead of Super Tuesday.

Guests:

Steve Simon is the Minnesota secretary of state.

Tarek Tomes is the commissioner of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and the state’s chief information officer.

Alex Conant is a Republican strategist and co-founding partner at Firehouse Strategies. He was also the communications director for Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign and Tim Pawlenty’s communication director during his 2012 presidential campaign.

Abou Amara is a lawyer and former adviser to then-House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis.

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News summarizes a new poll showing many young voters are worried about health care. And state officials are looking at major changes to Minnesota’s prison system.

On today's edition, New poll numbers show Minnesotans largely support refugees; only a matter of time before the new coronavirus shows up here

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News summarizes a new poll showing approval for DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Also, a new toolkit on disinformation from the Can You Believe It? team includes tips on spotting fake or altered images.

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News includes two poll stories — one on who Minnesota Democrats are leaning with so far in the presidential race and one looking at how all Minnesotans view Donald Trump’s job as president.

On this edition of Politics Friday, host Mike Mulcahy sits down with Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle to talk about safety on Twin Cities buses and light rail.

Then, University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel addressed the multi-million bonding request to renovate university buildings and update existing infrastructure across campus.

And we end the show with MPR News political reporters Brian Bakst and Mark Zdechlick with an update ahead of the Nevada caucuses.

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News includes a recap of the Las Vegas Democratic debate, plus lots of news on legislation being discussed at the Minnesota Capitol — from loon protection to fireworks to paid family leave to whiskey plates.

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News looks at what lawmakers want to do about the depleted state disaster aid account. And a Minnesota couple wants to save lives through specialized grain bin safety training.

Today’s check-in on Minnesota politics from MPR News looks at an effort by Republicans and Democrats at the Capitol to end certain robocalls. Meanwhile, northern Minnesota resort owners are asking the state for help after bad ice conditions this season.

The 2020 legislative session is less than a week old. Much of the attention this session will be on public construction projects and what to do with the projected $1.3 billion dollar budget surplus.

On this edition of Politics Friday, host Mike Mulcahy speaks with House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Jasinski on what they hope to get done this session. Plus, MPR reporters Brian Bakst give us an update on Senator Amy Klobuchar’s campaign for President.