All Things Considered for November 8, 2006 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Walz goes from the classroom to Congress
Democrat Tim Walz spent his first day as 1st District congressman-elect with family and supporters in Mankato. Walz beat six-term Republican Gil Gutknecht in Tuesday's election.4:44 p.m.
A student's report card on Tim Walz
Student Sam Hurd lives in North Mankato.He's a senior at Mankato West High School, where he took a geography class with the congressman elect. All Things Considered host Tom Crann talks to Hurd about what kind of teacher Tim Walz was.4:47 p.m.
A look at the new Minnesota congressional delegation
All Things Considered host Tom Crann talks about the delegation with Kathryn Pearson, assistant professor of political science at the University of Minnesota.4:50 p.m.
Coleman reacts to sacking of Rumsfeld
Former CIA director Robert Gates has been tapped to replace Donald Rumsfeld as secretary of defense. President Bush said Gates will offer a "fresh perspective" in leading the Pentagon. All Things Considered host Tom Crann talks about Rumsfeld's resignation with Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.5:20 p.m.
What happened to Mike Hatch?
A Democratic wave sweeps Republicans out of power on Capitol Hill, a DFL Senate candidate obliterates her opposition, and the DFL rolls to a majority in the Minnesota House. Why wasn't Mike Hatch included in the pro-Democrat wave?5:23 p.m.
Education, health care, property tax to dominate Minnesota Legislature
Flush with their new majority in the House, DFLers say they will reach out early to Republican collegues and Gov. Tim Pawlenty to try and ensure a productive legislative session.5:46 p.m.
School districts tally referendum results
School districts asking for more money from residents didn't fare well last night. Operating levy referendums passed in only 29 school districts but 69 districts were looking to increase taxes to generate more money.5:50 p.m.
Schubert Club after Bruce Carlson
The Schubert Club is preparing to look for a successor to the organization's longtime leader. Bruce Carlson died this past summer and he won't be easy to replace.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Rumsfeld Resigns; Bush Picks Gates for Defense
President Bush announces the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at a White House news conference. In a later media session, Bush and Rumsfeld shared a podium with Rumsfeld's successor, former CIA chief Robert Gates. Melissa Block talks with NPR's John Hendren.
Democrat Tester Wins Montana Senate Seat
Democrat Jon Tester claims victory in his closely fought Montana Senate race with incumbent Conrad Burns. With only a couple thousand votes separating the two candidates, a recount is possible, but no Republicans have announced plans to contest the outcome. Burns has had no comment on the tally.
Allen Hasn't Conceded Race; Senate in Balance
The Virginia Senate race remains undecided, and it will likely determine whether Democrats take control of the Senate. Democrat Jim Webb holds a lead of more than 7,000 votes, but Republican incumbent George Allen has refused to concede.
Voters Send Messages on Iraq, Ethics Scandals
What message was sent by the electorate in Tuesday's midterm election? To get a sense of things, we talk to voters in Evansville, Ind., Nashville, Tenn., and St. Paul, Minn.
Washington in Flux: Rumsfeld, Midterms, Democrats
Michele Norris and Melissa Block talk with Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne and David Brooks of The New York Times about Donald Rumsfeld's resignation, Tuesday's election and the Democrats' plans.
Emanuel on the Democrats' Gains in Congress
Michele Norris talks with Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Emmanuel was instrumental in the Democrats' winning strategy for regaining control of the House of Representatives.
Republicans Face Need for New Strategy in 2007
Melissa Block talks with Matthew Dowd, chief strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign, about the Republican loss of the House, what lessons the party is taking from the 2006 midterm election, and how President Bush might have to adjust his agenda to work with the new Congress.
Rejecting a President's Leadership, Locally
NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr says that Tuesday's Democratic election victories represent a repudiation of the leadership of President Bush.
Measuring the Drapes in Season of Electoral Change
A couple weeks ago, President Bush said the Democrats were overconfident about an election victory, saying they were already "measuring the drapes." But the day after midterm elections, the president said he's ready to offer Nancy Pelosi, the expected Speaker of the House, the name of a good Republican interior decorator.
Israeli Gaza Attack Kills 18, Including Children
Israeli artillery fire kills 18 Palestinians, including at least 7 children, in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday. The shelling came hours after Israeli forces ended a ground offensive in the area. Israeli officials voiced regret for the civilian casualties, saying the artillery fire was aimed at rocket launchers. Hamas and other Palestinian groups vow revenge.