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David's Essays

Look Out, Here Comes the Legislation! (04/04/08)

David shares his hard-earned insight into how a bill really becomes a law in this third chapter of An Outsider's Essay on State Government.

After Hours: Capitol Controversy (04/01/08)

Did you know the Capitol has many ties to the Civil War ... including "Confederate marble?" Mary and David explain how Cass Gilbert honored the era and its aging veterans.

After Hours: A Supreme Mystery (03/21/08)

Mary and David visit the East Wing of the Capitol building ... and find an empty court room, even though the Supreme Court is in session. How can that be?

The Great Tax Debate (03/18/08)

David has a song in his heart ... and puppets in his hands ... all to demonstrate why tax debates make for political theater at its best.

After Hours: Testifying Rules (03/14/08)

The Senate runs on rules, such as asking permission to speak and avoiding personality on the floor. David ask freshman Senator Kevin Dahle what it's like learning these rules on the job.

The Theatrics of Politics (03/10/08)

In this second chapter of An Outsider's Essay on State Government, David offers Gov. Pawlenty some ideas to jazz up his State of the State addresses.

After Hours: Work Flow (03/05/08)

Most lawmakers' work happens outside the Capitol building in the State Office Building, or "SOB." David travels the quirky path they take to get there.

The 2184 Election (03/03/08)

Hard-core politcos are already discussing the 2012 election. Not to be outdone, David brings us a preview of the 2184 presidential debates.

After Hours: Breaking the Molnau Story (02/28/08)

David asks Mary what it's like when a big story breaks and what she anticipated to be a quiet day becomes anything but.

After Hours: Intro (02/25/08)

What is After Hours? David explains — in under two minutes, just like these web-only segments.