In the News
Posts in this category link to stories in the news media about the Humphrey Institute, its faculty, students and staff, and programs as well as our partners and their programs.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Minnesotans worry Rev. Wright controversy overblown
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on the Rev. Wright/Obama controversy.
The University of Minnesota's Prof. Larry Jacobs, and expert on presidential campaigns and voter behavior, said Wright's comments have undermined Obama's message.
"Barack Obama's brilliance early in the campaign was in the message of hope and transcendence that he was really moving past racial divides and talking to all of America. And he has really been encumbered and diminished and as one leader in Congress put it, kneecapped by this Rev. Wright episode, in terms of the broader American perception of Obama."
Minnesota Public Radio
May 5, 2008
Loan ties Hillary's campaign to Bill's fundraising
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign finances.
In tapping some of that cash, "the Clintons have effectively bypassed campaign finance reform in a manner that's ingenious — using Bill Clinton effectively as a front for the fundraising," said Lawrence Jacobs, a University of Minnesota political science professor.
Miami Herald
May 9, 2008
Houston Chronicle
May 8, 2008
Former teen dropout honored
The annual writing contest sponsored by the Center for School Change honored Sara Stevens at the MN Capitol.
It was a good day for Sara Stevens. The 27 year-old Beaver Bay resident was the guest of the honor at the Capitol Wednesday, where she received an award for winning Minnesota's 5th Annual Charter Public School Writing Contest.
KARE 11
May 8, 2008
Economist G. Edward Schuh made mark far beyond U
An article on the late Professor G. Edward Schuh.
As Schuh advised Latin-American and African nations on agricultural and economic policies, "he was compassionate about the poor," said Terry Roe, a professor of applied economics at the university.
"In almost all dimensions of his life, he wanted to make a difference," said Roe. "He changed agricultural economics forever."
Star Tribune
May 9, 2008
Renowned U agriculture economist G. Edward Schuh dies at 77
A feature obituary for Professor G. Edward Schuh.
G. Edward Schuh, a renowned University of Minnesota agricultural economist who advised U.S. presidents and promoted food security in nations around the globe, died Sunday from complications after heart surgery. He was 77.
Pioneer Press
May 6, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The loss of a wise man
A nice article on the late Regents Professor G. Edward Schuh.
Twenty years ago, I was awarded a fellowship that called for traveling to Bolivia, Colombia and other Latin American countries.
The first person I called for advice was G. Edward Schuh, a University of Minnesota economist who had distinguished himself with work in South American countries.
MinnPost.com
May 8, 2008
Staying involved eases transition back to civilian life
Dennis Donovan is quoted in this article about a University student's transition back to civilian life.
Biorn attends monthly meetings for Warrior to Citizen, a grassroots initiative to create space for acceptance of veterans and encourages every level of communities to embrace veterans during reintegration, said Dennis Donovan, a research fellow at the Humphrey Institute and lead organizer of Warrior to Citizen.
Minnesota Daily
May 8, 2008
Ex-justice urges judges not to take the money if they run
Sandra Day O'Connor's recent speech at the Humphrey Institute is profiled.
Judicial independence is the crown jewel of democracy, but easier to damage or destroy than most can imagine, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said at a luncheon Friday at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.
Star Tribune
May 2, 2008
Vikings' undrafted signees are talented
Advisory council member Tom Swain is featured in Sid Hartman's column. He was recently honored with the University's Outstanding Achievement Award.
One of the great things Tom Swain's family and friends established and funded six years ago, on Swain's 80th birthday, was two fellowships per year at the Humphrey Institute for mid-career professionals seeking a Master of Public Affairs degree. Twelve people have completed the program on those scholarships.
Star Tribune
May 8, 2008
Obama pulls ahead in delegate count
Professor Larry Jacobs was the featured guest on Midday with Gary Eichten. He talked about the 2008 presidential race.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama won a decisive victory in North Carolina, while Hillary Clinton won Indiana on a thin margin. Midday explores what the results mean as the campaigns get ready for the next primary elections in Nebraska and West Virginia.
Minnesota Public Radio-Midday
May 7, 2008
Has Obama slipped?
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this article about the ongoing race between Senators Obama and Clinton for the democratic nomination.
"Hillary is looking for evidence to lead the superdelegates to look past the numerical advantage that Barack Obama has and will have," says Lawrence Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, at the University of Minnesota. "A win in Indiana and/or a win or close second in North Carolina will put wind in those sails."
Christian Science Monitor
May 6, 2008
MPS officials look to Cincinnati
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this article about the efforts of Milwaukee Public Schools to improve their urban schools.
Joe Nathan said the successes in Cincinnati resulted not only from discipline policy changes and a move to smaller high schools, but also from strong collaboration between the district and union officials, a commitment to meaningful professional development for staff and the involvement of the local business, social services and higher education communities.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
May 4, 2008
Former justice O'Connor urges changes in judicial elections
Former justice O'Connor urged changes in judicial elections at the Humphrey Institute. The event was cosponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.
O'Connor told an audience at the Humphrey Institute that this state should not take its impartial judiciary for granted.
"Here in Minnesota, the judicial election system has not yet had the kind of problems that we see in other states," she said. "This is good news because what it means is that you have time to make some changes that are careful, well-considered and deliberate to avoid that kind of problem in the future. It's already on your border in Wisconsin."
Minnesota Public Radio
May 2, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Columnist Julia Steiny looks at Minnesota’s plan to save money and improve schools
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this column about Rhode Island's public schools.
Joe Nathan said, “Your problem [of too many districts] would be solved under open enrollment. Ours was a very clear experience of school districts changing practices and consolidating because the parents can leave. It put power in the parents’ hands. So, in some cases, districts consolidated, but in others they got together and cooperated so that they could offer more options that would be attractive to the families.”
Providence Journal
May 4, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Sandra Day O'Connor speaking in Twin Cities today
A preview on the recent luncheon that featured retired justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is in Minneapolis today and speaking at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. The topic is impartiality and the courts.
Star Tribune
May 2, 2008
Against the Current: Developing the Civic Agency of Students
A commentary from Senior Fellow Harry Boyte on students and civic engagement.
Lessons about who teaches civic agency and how it is taught go to the heart of challenges facing higher education.
Change magazine
May/June 2008
Study: Public opinion isn't advancing health reform
Professor Larry Jacobs talks about his new research on health care and public opinion in this story.
In an article published in the current edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs reports that while Americans have broadly agreed on the need for health care reform for nearly two decades, public opinion has made little difference in the outcome of past reform efforts.
Minnesota Public Radio-All Things Considered
April 30, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Bridge comments put Pawlenty in tough political position
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on the recent statements about bridge funding made by Sen. John McCain.
"Either the Governor is right, or John McCain is right," said Larry Jacobs, director of the Humphrey Institute's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. "They're clearly on parallel universes."
Jacobs said it looked like Pawlenty and McCain had different talking points today. And it stayed that way throughout the day, as McCain once again talked about "pork-barrel" projects.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
City awarded for public safety achievements
An article on the Local Government Innovation award given to the City of Woodbury.
The Hubert Humphrey Institute’s Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center recognized Woodbury among about a half dozen other municipalities who have used “innovative practices to improve local services.”
Woodbury Bulletin
April 30, 2008
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008
OUR OPINION: Is Franken ready for prime time?
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this article about the viability of Al Franken's U.S. senate campaign.
Larry Jacobs directs the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Here he is on “Almanac” on Twin Cities Public Television:
“The bigger problem is what this says about the professionalism of the Franken campaign. They should have scrubbed Franken. They should have known this beforehand.
Grand Forks Herald
April 29, 2008
Political scientists on Almanac
Professor Larry Jacobs joined a panel of political scientists on TPT's Almanac to discuss the race for President. To view the discussion, select the April 25, 2008, program and click on "The Political Scientist Panel."
TPT-TV, Almanac
April 25, 2008
Fighting fire with ... cops
A recipient of the Local Government Innovation award, sponsored by the Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center, is featured in this article.
The city's supercop program was recognized this week by the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs for efficient government because it saves money and, potentially, lives. Response times in Woodbury have improved dramatically, and the program has saved the equivalent of 4.5 full-time jobs.
Pioneer Press
April 29, 2008
In book and talk, columnist Dionne says 'era of religious right is over
E.J. Dionne's recent lecture at the Humphrey Institute is featured in this article.
In his new book, cleverly titled "Souled Out," and in an appearance last week at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, liberal columnist E.J. Dionne declared that "the era of the religious right is over."
MinnPost.com
April 29, 2008
Business mishaps threaten Franken campaign
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on the political implications of U.S. senate candidate Al Franken's recent business troubles.
Political analyst Larry Jacobs, director of the Humphrey Institute's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, said the incidents by themselves "are small potatoes," but may speak to deeper problems.
"It's the drip-drip quality that is not helpful," Jacobs said. Failing to make full disclosures, he added, prolongs the stories "and really points to a much broader, more significant weakness -- their ability to do good damage control."
Star Tribune
April 25, 2008
DFL hopefuls in Sixth District share goal of ousting Bachmann
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on Minnesota's sixth congressional district race in this article.
University of Minnesota political science Prof. Lawrence Jacobs believes that Tinklenberg -- an experienced politician with labor support -- will win the endorsement, but that Olson could put up a strong fight for liberal activists.
Star Tribune
April 25, 2008
Saturday, Apr 26, 2008
Soccer field cooperation merits award
A recipient of the Local Government Innovation award is featured in this story.
The Humphrey Institute chose the project for its Local Government Innovations Award, which was presented this week to the city, Mankato Area Public Schools, the Mankato United Soccer Club and Bolten and Menk, a local engineering firm.
Mankato Free Press
April 22, 2008
Despite youth hoopla, it's seniors who vote
Professor Larry Jacobs talks about voter turnout among seniors in this article.
"The battle over the senior vote will be one of the most intense in the fall because they do come out and vote," said Lawrence Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics at the University of Minnesota, who has researched patterns among older voters.
San Francisco Chronicle
April 25, 2008
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008
Key to winning the White House? Candidates themselves are overrated, says political scientist
Larry Jacobs talks about the importance of the political environment when forecasting outcomes of the 2008 presidential race.
But it's possible — and University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs says it's likely — that the particular candidates, their characters, their records, their issue positions and their latest gaffes are overrated in determining the election outcome. What's underrated? A factor over which the parties and the campaigns have little control: the political environment.
MinnPost.com
April 22, 2008
CAPITOL VIEWS: U.S. Senate candidate Nelson-Pallmeyer grew up in North Metro Area
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this story about Minnesota's 2008 DFL candidates for U.S. Senate.
While Franken has limitations, University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute Professor Larry Jacobs concludes, he also has high name recognition and campaign dollars.
“At the end of the day, DFL faithful will find that hard to ignore,” said Jacob in an e-mail.
HometownSource.com
April 21, 2008
Could Pawlenty become Vice President?
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this story that speculates about Gov. Tim Pawlenty's potential as a candidate for vice president.
"You had many, many national pundits signaling out Tim Pawlenty as one of the bright spots in a dismal Republican year in 2006," said Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute.
KARE 11
April 22, 2008
Community car sharing revs up as gas prices soar
Frank Douma is quoted in this story about how gas prices influence commuters.
The cost of gas is causing some people to think twice about keeping their cars and use car-sharing instead, Frank Douma believes. A 2006 Humphrey Institute study found that 21 percent of car-sharing members gave up at least one vehicle after joining a car-sharing program and that the primary motivation to joining was saving money while still retaining occasional access to a car.
"Anecdotally, the most popular use of car-sharing was taking trips to Ikea," Douma said his researcher team found from talking to focus groups in Seattle, Chicago and the Twin Cities.
Star Tribune
April 19, 2008
Friday, Apr 18, 2008
Growing Housing Worries Leads to McCain Shift
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this story about Sen. John McCain's changing views about the government's role in the foreclosure crisis.
Lawrence Jacobs, a political scientist at the University of Minnesota, said McCain must have recognized he was “poorly positioned” on housing “given the national mood.”
Fox Business
April 15, 2008
Editorial shorts: The element of joy
In this editorial roundup, the writers reference a recent conference on election administration sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.
Not all the ways to improve the administration of American elections involve technology, new laws or big-buck spending. Significant improvement could come simply by putting more and better-trained election judges behind the registration tables at the polls.
That point was made Tuesday at the Humphrey Institute by one of the nation's leading thinkers and authors about election reform, Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute.
Star Tribune
April 17, 2008
Subsidizing the stars
Professor Ann Markusen is quoted in this story about states using tax breaks to attract industries.
Officials in Connecticut and Rhode Island are scrutinizing their film tax credits more closely because of concerns that the economic benefits are not as great as once thought. Critics also complain that tax credits for the movie or life science industries are diverting money away from more pressing state needs. “They become a hidden form of spending,” says Ann R. Markusen, a professor at the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
CommonWealth magazine
Spring 2008
Can school-run, 4-year-old program bridge possible kindergarten divide
Humphrey Institute alumnus Chris Wing is quoted in this story about a possible state-backed, four-year-old preschool program in Wisconsin.
On the way to earning a degree in public policy from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, Chris Wing recalls some telling data.
“When we looked at research on early intervention at the Humphrey Institute, I was very impressed with the cost/benefit analyses that showed that providing good programs to four- to five-year-olds was a really sound investment, saving costs across the lifespan and making it more probable that those who received services would be contributing taxpayers,” Wing said.
River Falls Journal
April 17, 2008
Thursday, Apr 17, 2008
Reassuring kin
Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store visited the Humphrey Institute in March. His visit is referenced in this article about Norway's relationship with the Midwest.
In his address last month at the Humphrey Institute, the foreign minister acknowledged that his decision to shift career diplomats out of the American Midwest had sparked widespread concern.
Grand Forks Herald
April 17, 2008
Legislators discuss creation of low-carbon fuel bill
Senior Fellow Steve Kelley is quoted in this story about a legislative bill that would create a low-carbon fuel standard and invest more in renewable energy.
"You could argue if we didn't buy and burn coal in Minnesota, that would leave more coal to go to China and get burned overseas," Steve Kelley said. "But you can't do much about that."
Kelley, director of the Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Humphrey Institute, attended the hearing to discuss a study the University will conduct regarding the feasibility of the low-carbon standard.
Minnesota Daily
April 16, 2008
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008
Great River on course
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this story about Great River School, a Minnesota charter school set to offer a full international baccalaureate diploma.
Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, praised Great River's effort to blend Montessori and IB into a new model. Great River is one of only 13 Minnesota high schools offering a full IB diploma to its students, according to the state Department of Education.
"I think it's terrific when you see somebody taking two different ideas that have been established and useful and putting them together to create something new," said Nathan, who helped Great River get its start three years ago.
Star Tribune
April 14, 2008
Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008
War, pollution, boys v. girls: You name it, teen videos address it
Danielle Peterson is quoted in this story about a recent youth film festival co-sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship.
Danielle Peterson, who works at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship, worked closely with the Hope Community Group. She said that video is a powerful medium for youth to tell their stories. “I’ve been working with youth programs for five years now, and it’s taken me a long time to realize that the youth always want to do videos,” Peterson said. “So we should support that and uplift it.”
Twin Cities Daily Planet
April 7, 2008
Proposed standards may get pushback from nonprofits
Melissa Stone is referenced in this article for her role in developing new accountability measures for the Charities Review Council.
Claire Topp, a Dorsey & Whitney partner, chairs the committee overseeing the Accountability Standards Project. The 11-member committee includes Gloria Lewis, president and CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities; Joy Persall, executive director of Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Melissa Stone, director of the Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center at the Humphrey Institute.
MinnPost.com
April 14, 2008
Friday, Apr 11, 2008
NEWS: Warrior to Citizen campaign
The Warrior to Citizen campaign is featured in this article. Sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, W2C is a statewide effort that helps reintegrate returning veterans into their community.
Soundings
Spring 2008
Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008
CAPITOL VIEWS: House Speaker Anderson Kelliher is one of the more noteworthy stories of change
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this story about House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher.
Watching from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute Professor Larry Jacobs opined Kelliher’s new appearance could suggest expanding political horizons.
“She is, in my view, the most promising new Dem leader,” he said in an e-mail.
HometownSource.com
April 7, 2008
NEWS: Coleman and Franken disagree over what campaign should be about
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on the U.S. Senate race between Senator Norm Coleman and Al Franken.
University of Minnesota Political Science Professor Lawrence Jacobs said Franken and Coleman are each hoping they can convince reporters and voters what the campaign should be about.
"This year it's particularly striking because we've got an incumbent who has to be very careful about the kind of issues that Minnesotans, who are up-for-grabs, are thinking about," Jacobs said. "He doesn't want them thinking about how things were six years ago before there was the Iraq war, before we had this downturn in the economy. Likewise, we hear Al Franken raising the kind of questions that he thinks are important and that he wants voters to think about," Jacobs said.
Minnesota Public Radio
April 6, 2008
Tuesday, Apr 8, 2008
Freeman Lecture focuses on water quality, live ITV feed at UMC Tuesday
The Freeman Lecture program is previewed.
Water quality impacts everything-from our food and our health to the environment and the economy. The 2008 Freeman Lecture will focus on the implications and complexities of policy decisions we make about water resources from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute.
Crookston Daily Times
Monday, April 7
Monday, Apr 7, 2008
NEWS: Kinders re-elected chair
Humphrey Institute alumni Mark Kinders is featured.
UW-River Falls Public Affairs Director Mark Kinders has been elected to a second term as chair of a national higher education committee of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
River Falls Journal
April 4, 2008
Saturday, Apr 5, 2008
Humphrey ranked No. 14 among public affairs schools
The Humphrey Institute's U.S. News ranking is discussed.
According to 2009 "Best Graduate School" rankings released by the U.S. News & World Report, the Humphrey Institute is ranked No. 14 out of 269 public and private programs.
Minnesota Daily
April 2, 2008
Star Tribune
April 2, 2008
Friday, Apr 4, 2008
NEWS: King's legacy 40 years after his death
Senior Fellows Harry Boyte is a featured guest on this program honoring the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, death.
Boyte was the field secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Minnesota Public Radio-Midmorning
April 4, 2008
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008
NEWS: The question: To loop or not to loop?
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this story about looping, assigning students to a team of teachers for more than one year.
"Common sense suggests that if educators stay with students for a couple of years, there are several benefits," said Joe Nathan, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for School Change. "Teachers don't have to spend several months getting to know the students. Families and students get to know educators' expectations and can build a closer working relationship."
Star Tribune
March 29, 2008
Thursday, Mar 27, 2008
NEWS: Business meets public policy in new dual-degree program
Humphrey Institute student Graham Arntzen is featured in this article about the new MPP/MBA dual degree.
Graham Arntzen, a first-year MPP graduate student, will be part of the first class of students in the program.
Arntzen said his interest piqued after talking with employers, specifically a representative from Deloitte who told him dual degree students would be "at the top of the list" for hiring prospects.
Minnesota Daily
March 25, 2008
NEWS: The perfect superintendent
Senior Fellow Joe Nathan is quoted in this article about Cincinnati's search for a new public schools superintendent.
Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota, has represented the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation locally as CPS implemented reforms with a grant. He also preaches the importance of a hands-off approach to good, dedicated mid-level administrators.
“It’s important to be a person who doesn’t see he or she is going to do the whole job themselves,” said Nathan.
Cincinnati Enquirer
March 25, 2008
NEWS: The next Vice President?
A recent conference on the vice presidency is referenced in this article speculating whether Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be John McCain's running mate.
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, speaking via telephone during Monday’s vice presidential discussion at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, made the case that since McCain has strong credibility in foreign affairs, he could benefit from a running mate who could assist him on domestic issues.
Fargo Forum
March 25, 2008
Morris Sun Tribune
March 25, 2008
Worthington Daily Globe
March 25, 2008
NEWS: Pawlenty's name strongly implied as McCain's best choice
Professor Larry Jacobs is quoted in this article recapping the recent conference on the vice presidency.
The conference was mostly a scholarly affair, with professors analyzing what Larry Jacobs, director of the U's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, described as the "growing and enormous power of the vice presidency." It's an important but neglected issue for this presidential election, he said.
Pioneer Press
March 25, 2008
Harry Boyte: Obama presents decisive choice not only to US
In this editorial, Senior Fellow Harry Boyte writes about civic agency and its political message as it relates to the presidential campaign.
But the power of civic agency is certainly on the rise — Obama’s success shows that ordinary people can respond to the message that they can become responsible, powerful architects of their lives and shapers of their environments.
Business Day (South Africa)
March 25, 2008
NEWS: A destination for theater
CHANCE is referenced in this article about a new community coalition of theaters on the West Bank.
A new attempt at a coalition of the theaters on the West Bank is in the very early stages. Championed by a Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs group, CHANCE for Neighborhood Collaborative Engagement, is seeking to create some sort of theater and arts collaborative for the West Bank area.
Minnesota Daily
March 27, 2008
NEWS: Gasworks Bluff envisioned as future park
Humphrey Institute student Julie Warner is quoted in this article about her work with CHANCE.
When Rosemary Knutson looks out the window of Riverview Tower on the West Bank, she sees a neglected hillside with sparse trees and random garbage. But for eight years, she's had a vision of the blighted lot as a park, planted with native plants and teeming with, in her words, "birds and butterflies."
Two University students are working through the Humphrey Institute's CHANCE program to help Knutson and other Cedar-Riverside neighbors turn this vision into reality.
"The CHANCE program that we're doing is really about community engagement," Julie Warner said. "Our intention is to talk to major stakeholders, the owners of the land and also the park board commissioners. We're trying to explore the propriety and feasibility of preserving the land."
Minnesota Daily
March 27, 2008
Editorial: Tinglestad retirement is a loss for Minnesota
A Humphrey Institute fellowship created in the name of Charles Krusell is featured in this editorial.
For several decades, one name -- Charles Krusell -- was associated again and again with the most ambitious and successful efforts to improve Minneapolis housing and the urban environment.
That good name is now associated with a new fellowship for graduate students studying urban and regional planning and public policy at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. It's a fitting tribute to the founder of the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation and the executive director of the Minneapolis Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce.
Star Tribune
March 25, 2008
NEWS: Mondale worried about super-delegate vote
Walter Mondale and Professor Larry Jacobs are interviewed in this story about super-delegates and their role in picking the democratic presidential nominee.
Political science Professor Larry Jacobs paints a worst-case scenario if super-delegates make a controversial decision.
"The Democratic Party is in a real pickle. One of the worst moments in Democratic Party history was in 1968. You had riots and the convention didn't have a whole lot of legitimacy. The question in 2008 is, are we going to be back in 1968 and with that sort of meltdown?"
KSTP-TV
March 24, 2008
NEWS: How important is the VP candidate?
Professor Larry Jacobs, Walter Mondale, and other experts from the recent conference on the vice presidency are interviewed in this segment from KSTP-TV news.
Former vice president Walter Mondale was one of the experts on the panel. Many, including Mondale himself, say that the role of the vice president changed dramatically when he served as second in command to Jimmy Carter.
"Carter and I sat down and I said I am not interested in being a ceremonial vice president," Mondale told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
KSTP-TV
March 24, 2008
NEWS: Vice presidential candidates debated
An article on the recent conference about the vice presidency sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.
Speculation of a so-called Democratic "dream ticket" of candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and rumors of a possible nod to Gov. Tim Pawlenty as McCain's running mate fueled debate Monday as scholars and former Vice President Walter Mondale gathered at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.
Minnesota Daily
March 25, 2008
NEWS: Mondale issues blistering attack on Cheney
Vice President Walter Mondale compared his days as vice president with the current administration at a recent conference sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.
In a blistering close to his 30-minute presentation at the Humphrey Institute for Public Policy, Mondale said that in looking back on his tenure as Jimmy Carter's vice president, he took pride in three claims: "We told the truth; we obeyed the law; and we kept the peace." The Bush-Cheney administration, Mondale said, "can't say any of that with a straight face about those first four years. And it's cost us terribly. Let's not make that mistake again."
MinnPost.com
March 25, 2008
Mom's right: Kids need to get outside, play, researcher says
Humphrey Institute alumnus Mary Vidas is quoted in this article.
Mary Vidas, the public policy program director at the Arboretum, said the problem has been growing for the past 20 years as the amount of open space in cities has shrunk. Richard Louv's 2005 book, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder," spurred her and the Arboretum to address it.
Star Tribune
March 27, 2008
Monday, Mar 24, 2008
Morris Kleiner: We Don't Need a Mortgage Guild
Professor Morris Kleiner co-authored this editorial in response to news about licensing standards for mortgage brokers.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson Jr. has announced plans to establish stringent national licensing standards for mortgage brokers. This is not a good idea.
The relationship between licensure in various professions and the quality of service is ambiguous at best. In the specific case of mortgage brokers, a comparison of states that license mortgage brokers and those that don't suggests that national licensure could lead to more foreclosures, not less.
Wall Street Journal
March 24, 2008
NEWS: Who'd be McCain's vice president?
Professor Larry Jacobs comments on speculation about Governor Tim Pawlenty running as vice president with Senator John McCain.
University of Minnesota political science professor Lawrence Jacobs said Pawlenty was "one of the most capable politicians for presenting himself as reasonable and likable." He won accolades in his party by taking a no-tax pledge when he ran in 2002 (though he did not repeat the pledge last cycle) and has vetoed a number of popular bills, including a recent transportation bill because of his opposition to tax hikes, Jacobs said.
"He's battling the Legislature and yet his approval ratings are pretty strong," Jacobs said.
Los Angeles Times
March 22, 2008
Fargo Forum
March 22, 2008
NEWS: Nonprofits improving on how they do business
A winning case study by Associate Professor Jodi Sandfort is referenced in this column about nonprofit accountability.
Their effort has been the focus of a Humphrey Institute paper that won first place at a recent national conference on best practices among nonprofits. And this kind of collaboration also underscores a recent Stanford Social Innovation Review article titled "More Bang for the Buck."
Star Tribune
March 21, 2008
NEWS: Lawrencina Oramalu and Cyrenthia Jordan join University of Minnesota Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Humphrey Institute alumnus Lawrencina Oramalu is featured here in her new role with the University.
Lawrencina Oramalu and Cyrenthia Jordan will join the University of Minnesota Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action as equal opportunity consultants.
Insight News
March 20, 2008
NEWS: Where power lies
In this special report, Professor Larry Jacobs reviews Superclass, a new book by David Rothkopf.
David Rothkopf takes us to New York, Chile, Switzerland and Russia to hobnob with the world's string-pulling heavy-weights - the "superclass."
Star Tribune
March 24, 2008
Michael V. Ciresi: What makes a candidate qualified? Well ...
Former U.S. Senate candidate Michael Ciresi wrote this rebuttal in response to a recent editorial from Larry Jacobs about candidate qualifications.
Contrary to Jacobs, I believe that our country would be better served and would not be in the condition it is in if we elected individuals from a variety of backgrounds, not just those who have held political office. The richness of diversity of our people and the complexity of our economy and the world we live in require it.
Star Tribune
March 20, 2008
Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008
NEWS: States Filling in Gaps in Veterans Benefits
Dennis Donovan talks about the Warrior to Citizen campaign in this article about local efforts to help veterans.
Minnesota’s Warrior to Citizen campaign demonstrates how a coalition of citizens and organizations can work for veterans together with state VA programs. The University of Minnesota’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC) helps returning veterans reintegrate into communities as part of its Minnesota Works Together campaign. The program claims to be the first statewide initiative of its kind.
“This is citizen-led rather than government- or social service-led,” said Dennis Donovan, research fellow with the CDC. “This is grass-roots. This particular strategy has come from citizens.”
VFW Magazine
March 2008