Listen: Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections?

The Curious Minnesota podcast delves into the contentious 1990 gubernatorial campaign.

December 5, 2022 at 6:02PM
Independent-Republican gubernatorial candidate Jon Grunseth sparred with then-Gov. Rudy Perpich during the 1990 debate on Twin Cities Public Television. Write-in challenger Arne Carlson listened at left. (Jeff Wheeler — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The 1990 race for governor was one of the most remarkable elections in recent Minnesota history.

The Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, Jon Grunseth, withdrew from the race just days before Election Day amid a cloud of allegations. His last-minute replacement on the ballot, Arne Carlson, went on to defeat DFL incumbent Rudy Perpich — the state's longest-serving governor.

Reporter Randy Furst joined Eric Roper on the Curious Minnesota podcast (audio below) to discuss the campaign and a television debate that may have impacted the outcome of the election.

Debate clip used with permission by Twin Cities Public Television.

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about the writer

about the writer

Eric Roper

Curious Minnesota Editor

Eric Roper oversees Curious Minnesota, the Minnesota Star Tribune's community reporting project fueled by great reader questions. He also hosts the Curious Minnesota podcast.

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