All Things Considered for November 3, 2008 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, November 3, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

League of Women Voters offers one-stop-shop for researching ballot
The League of Women Voters in Minnesota, has created an extensive voter guide for voters wanting to research the candidates. The Web version includes information about candidates from the Presidential race all the way to local Soil and Water Conservation officers. The League's telephone Hotline 1-800-555-8227. The voter guide Web address is http://www.lwvmn.org/3:00 p.m.
Third district candidates making final push for supporters
After eight debates and $8 million worth of television ads, the race for Congress in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District is coming down to the ground game. DFLer Ashwin Madia, Republican Erik Paulsen and Independence Party candidate David Dillon are making their final push to get their supporters out to the polls.4:45 p.m.
Researching your ballot
You may have made up your mind about whom to vote for for President, for Congress and even the constitutional amendment. But how about the state Supreme Court? Or your county commission? Do you know who you want to elect to your local Soil and Water Conservation District?4:51 p.m.
I'm a college student - where should I vote?
With just four days to go until November 4, we've created an Election Day Survival Guide to answer your voting questions. If you're a college student, and you're wondering where to vote, here are the answers.4:57 p.m.
Candidates set furious pace on last campaign day
Minnesota's leading Senate candidates are turning to heavy hitters on the last day before the election, and crisscrossing the state to appeal to their supporters to go to the polls tomorrow.5:20 p.m.
On final day, Bachmann and Tinklenberg try to win undecideds
Polls show the race in Minnesota's 6th congressional district is a toss up, and both front runners were busy Monday trying to win over any undecided voters.5:45 p.m.
Long lines form for early voting
People were lined up out to the sidewalk for the last chance to cast an absentee ballot in St. Paul today.5:51 p.m.
What can I wear to the polls -- and other rules of decorum
The polling place has its own rules of conduct.5:56 p.m.
VeraSun Energy files for bankruptcy
The worst economic crisis in the history of the ethanol industry has claimed one of biofuels most prominent players. VeraSun Energy, based in Sioux Falls, has filed for bankruptcy. It's the latest in a series of problems for ethanol producers, who've had to deal with huge swings in corn costs and falling ethanol prices.6:19 p.m.
Minn. Supreme Court considers how far the right to an attorney extends
The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments today on how far the state's constitutional right to an attorney extends for those who can't afford a lawyer. At issue is whether the state must provide a public defenders to appeal misdemeanor convictions.6:23 p.m.
Avoiding the lines on Election Day
Election Day is upon us and you no doubt have questions. Will the lines be long? What if the polling place closes while I'm in line? When are the best times to avoid long lines?6:25 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Court Weighs Reach Of Drug Warning Labels
In a case involving drug labels and the Food and Drug Administration, the court considers whether lawsuits against drug makers can be limited when consumers are harmed.
Some Ships Can't Reach Shanghai's New Terminal
More than one-third of all cruise ships can't dock at Shanghai's new terminal because they can't fit under a 165-foot tall bridge downriver. An executive says large ships won't come anyway, because the market is in its infancy.
'Chasing Light': Music Made For 50 States
The Ford Made in America project brings new music to regional orchestras that can't afford to commission music by an internationally recognized composer like Joseph Schwantner. His piece, Chasing Light..., will be performed in all 50 states.
On Election Eve, Candidates Make Last-Minute Pitch
The presidential and vice presidential candidates are criss-crossing the U.S. one day before the 2008 election. Republican John McCain, Democrat Barack Obama and their running mates, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden, are in key swing states.
As Voting Challenges Loom, Some Optimism
Although some of the Election Day concerns that voting-rights advocates had a few weeks ago have been resolved in court, worries remain about long lines and possible legal challenges that could emerge if the race is close in a pivotal state. But most voters should encounter few problems.
McCain, Obama Agree On Hiking, 'The Wire'
Both John McCain and Barack Obama love The Wire. McCain likes to fish on his Arizona ranch, which is on Oak Creek. Obama used to spearfish in Hawaii. They both say hiking is their favorite outdoor activity. Obama's favorite TV show was MASH while McCain's is Seinfeld.
Economic Rot Spreads To Work Force
There have been layoffs and cutbacks across America. New York Times economic correspondent Louis Uchitelle, author of The Disposable American: Layoffs and Their Consequences, says in the 1990s, laid-off workers could find jobs fairly easily, but the rise in unemployment is going to make getting back to work harder.
NPR Reporters Reflect On Campaign
They've traveled by bus and by plane from New Hampshire to California, and every state in between. From caucuses to state fair speeches, NPR's political reporters have been on the road for almost two years. On Tuesday, it will all be over.
As Court Weighs 'F' Word Case, Context Examined
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday about the F-word. The case, FCC v. FOX TV, stems from some stunning moments of live television. Jesse Sheidlower, editor at large of the Oxford English Dictionary, and author of The F-Word, says the F-word has ceased being used exclusively in reference to sex.
Letters: Undecided Voters
On Friday, that most mysterious of campaign creatures — the undecided voter — was examined. Their typical demographic profile was described and one woman who hasn't made up her mind yet shared her views. Many listeners thought that was a waste of time, but at least one person empathized.