At Issue: Show celebrates 20 years of Minnesota politics and players

Minnesotans have chosen a former professional wrestler for their governor, elected a former comedian to the U.S. Senate and have had multiple public political battles over issues like gay marriage and funding stadiums — and that’s just been in the last two decades.

Through those 20 years, “At Issue” and its host Tom Hauser have provided insight and analysis rarely found in other parts of the country. The show, which first aired in September 2000, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by looking back in time through four administrations, the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone, Emmy-winning segments and fired-up analysts.

The first issue on the first show was then-Gov. Jesse Ventura asking the Minnesota Legislature to extend benefits in domestic partnerships. Its first guests included Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, and former Gov. Wendell “Wendy” Anderson. Since then, the show has followed the issues, public figures and talking points that have meant the most to Minnesotans.