James George Janos, better known as Jesse Ventura, is an American politician, actor, author, and former professional wrestler who served as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003.
Born July 15, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ventura served as a Navy UDT member during the Vietnam War, and later as mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 1991 to 1995. In 1998, In a major upset, Ventura narrowly defeated both the Democratic and Republican candidates for Governor. He was the first and only candidate of the Reform Party to win a major government position. In his role as governor, he was known for both his independence and combativeness with political parties and the press.
January 27, 1998 - MPR’s Karen Louise Boothe profiles Jesse “The Body” Ventura, who is jumping back into the political ring with his decision to run for governor on a Reform Party ticket. It's hard to pin a label on Ventura. He's not your typical politician.
July 2, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens Forum gubernatorial debate held within state office building at State Capitol. The six DFL candidates, Skip Humphrey III, Doug Johnson, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, John Marty, and Independent candidate, Jesse Ventura, attended. (Republican Norm Coleman did not accept invitation) Candidates spoke and answered questions from four groups of citizen panelists gathered throughout the state. Lori Sturdevant, of the Star Tribune, moderated debate.
July 29, 1998 - As part of the series Campaign 98’, MPR’s Laura McCallum looks at Reform Party gubernatorial candidate Jesse Ventura’s views on education. Ventura is opposed to open enrollment, sees school busing as a mess, and questions parents role in school issues.
July 31, 1998 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Jesse Ventura, Reform Party candidate for governor. Ventura discusses the issues and his campaign. Topics include surplus, campaign money, hemp crops, neighborhood schooling, parenting involvement, and gambling.
August 11, 1998 - As part of the MPR’s Campaign 98’ series, MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the welfare views of Jesse Ventura, Reform Party candidate for governor. Ventura comments on “welfare to work” reform, more support for those in the middle-class, and a critique of single-parents on welfare.
August 31, 1998 - As part of the MPR’s Campaign 98’ series, Laura McCallum talks with Reform Party gubernatorial candidate Jesse Ventura about his views on crime. Ventura states that crime is a local issue, not a state one. He also discusses policing, gun control, drugs, prostitution, and the death penalty.
September 10, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens' Forum “job interview” from the Minnesota State Fair, with two candidates for Governor…Jesse Ventura of the Reform Party; and Norm Coleman of the Republican Party.
September 10, 1998 - As part of the MPR series Campaign 98’, Laura McCallum looks at Reform Party gubernatorial candidate Jesse Ventura’s views on education environment. Ventura says he's an Isaac Walton League member, believes the federal government should regulate pollution, and regulation of feed lots.
October 1, 1998 - Midday presents the first general election gubernatorial debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, and broadcast from Brainerd Community College. Norm Coleman, Republican candidate; Skip Humphrey, DFL candidate; and Jesse Ventura, Reform candidate, participated in debate. Topics include state surplus, taxes, healthcare, agriculture, education, and stadium funding.
October 7, 1998 - MPR’s Amy Radil reports on the gubernatorial candidates Skip Humphrey, Norm Coleman, and Jesse Ventura debating at Hibbing High School in the Iron Range. They tailored their messages to the audience by taking on subjects like tourism, recreation and education in northeast Minnesota and invoking the image of a favorite son.