Pat Kessler
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Pat Kessler knows Minnesota politics.
He’s been on the beat longer than any other TV reporter in the Twin Cities, covering state government, politics, campaigns and conventions since 1984.
Pat “pulls back the curtain” on what’s happening in government with stories both amusing and annoying, as well as reporting information you need to know to keep up on the issues that affect you most.
And Pat’s popular “Reality Check” segments separate fact from fiction in a political world that is often more fiction than fact.
Pat studied English and journalism at Macalester College in St. Paul.
He’s an avid reader, involved in many local volunteer programs and exhibits a particular fondness for baseball.
Before joining WCCO-TV, Pat was a reporter for Minnesota Public Radio, and a technical assistant for “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor.
For The 1st Time A Century, Beer Might Flow At Minn. Capitol
There are few other places in the historic Minnesota State Capitol where beer drinking should be more welcome: The basement cafeteria, styled as a German Rathskeller. Now, for the first time in almost 100 years, alcohol may be available on certain occasions.
Minn. Lawmakers Near Finish With Tax Hike Votes
A few final debates echoed through the state Capitol Monday, as lawmakers haggled over tax increases and union organizing in a session that’s already seen a big spike in spending on schools and a landmark law legalizing gay marriage.
Minn. Lawmakers Take Budget Debate Down To Wire
The final pieces of Minnesota’s next two-year, $38 billion budget were falling into place Sunday as state lawmakers clocked long hours and held a succession of late-night debates at the Capitol.
PAC Stands By Lawmakers Who Passed Gay Marriage
On Wednesday, lawmakers who took a risk by supporting the bill are getting some political help. A political action committee has formed just for them, as lawmakers who voted yes might need help to get re-elected — some admitted the vote might have hurt them back home.
Pat Kessler Answers Your FAQs About Gay Marriage
The Capitol hallways echoed Thursday night with thunderous chants. And by Friday, WCCO viewers are asking a lot of questions after the House voted to legalize same sex marriage. A common question: What’s next? The same sex marriage bill now heads to the Minnesota Senate, where it is expected to pass. The governor says he will sign It, and as early as Tuesday.
Minn. House Approves Gay Marriage, 75-59
A gay Minnesota lawmaker leading the push to legalize same-sex weddings in the state told colleagues Thursday that gay couples “contribute to the same Minnesota system as everyone else” and deserve the right to be married.
Reality Check: Economic Impact Of Gay Marriage
The Minnesota House has scheduled a vote for Thursday on the bill that would legalize same sex marriage.
Minn. House Passes Anti-Bullying Bill
The Minnesota House has passed a bill requiring all public school districts to create policies aimed at reducing bullying. The bill passed Monday by a vote of 72-57. It was introduced after a rash of high-profile bullying incidents in school districts across the state.
Minn. House Passes Steep Bump To Minimum Wage
Minnesota’s lowest-wage workers are closing in on a government-mandated raise.
Reality Check: Minnesota Following Trend On Gun Laws
The Minnesota Legislature won’t be voting on tougher gun laws after all.
Senate Backs Minn. Tuition For Immigrants’ Kids
The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill that extends in-state public college tuition rates to children of people who are not in the country legally.
Dayton Not Keen On Democrat’s Tax Hike Bill
Minnesota Senate Democrats passed a sweeping tax hike bill on Monday that includes a sales tax on clothing.
Dayton Admonishes Shakopee Town Hall Audience
Gov. Mark Dayton is calling members of a Shakopee audience “rude” and “juvenile” after a raucous town hall meeting.
Reality Check: Beer Tax Claims Of House Democrats
Minnesota House Democrats this week voted to raise the excise tax on beer, claiming it will raise the price only 7 cents a bottle.
Minn. House Expected To Pass Sweeping Tax Bill Tonight
The Minnesota House plunged Wednesday into a debate over a bill that would raise state taxes by $2.6 billion in part by enacting the state’s first alcohol tax increase in about 25 years.
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| Full Program Grid | |
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| 7:00 PM | Undercover Boss |
| 8:00 PM | Blue Bloods |
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