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.
August 28, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Dave Kinney, a reporter with The Newark Star Ledger, about Governor Ventura’s appearance at a New Jersey political fundraiser. Ventura campaigned for Bill Schulter, a Republican state senator, who is running as a New Jersey gubernatorial candidate as an Independent.
August 31, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on Governor Jesse Ventura joining the throngs at the Minnesota State Fair to talk taxes and politics. Ventura promoted the idea of a national sales tax and banning elected officials from campaigning when he says they should be working.
September 27, 2001 - MPR's Laurel Druley reports that Governor Ventura told the citizens of Rochester he supports President Bush's plan to call up National Guard troops to tighten security at airports across the nation. His comments came as the Governor spent the day in Rochester talking with state employees.
October 2, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson talks with reporter Tom Scheck about Governor Ventura’s visit to New York City to meet with bond officials and pay respects at the World Trade Center site, where Ventura and wife Terry delivered 9,000 cards from Minnesota to the relief workers at the World Trade Center.
October 3, 2001 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on Governor Ventura’s visit to New York City to show Americans can come to New York after the September 11th attacks. During his visit, Ventura met with a bond rating agency and toured the area of the World Trade Center disaster, where he handed out memorial cards written by Minnesotans to relief workers.
October 3, 2001 - Governor Ventura and his wife Terry appeared on Good Morning America. He went to deliver cards from Minnesotans and to see the World Trade Center site. Rumors that ABC also paid for his trip to have exclusive access to the site is not verified. Because of the accusation, Ventura now will no longer give interviews to the Minnesota press.
October 5, 2001 - At the end of the first week of Minnesota's largest state employee strike, no new talks are scheduled and neither side shows any sign of movement. State officials say state government is weathering the loss of about 23,000 workers, and Governor Ventura says the striking workers should accept the state's offer and come back to work. Ventura says will talk to the strikers, but he will not do it when the media is around.
October 9, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that state officials and leaders of the two largest public employee unions are set to resume contract talks, but Governor Jesse Ventura says he doesn't see any way to satisfy the demands of striking workers short of cutting government payrolls. Union leaders, however, say if more money isn't available, there's little chance for movement when talks resume.
November 6, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the studio to answer MPR listener questions. Jesse Ventura talks about the Twins, stadiums, the end of tax rebates, and the election. During program, Ventura gets into a lively discussion with a caller regarding stadium and tax dollars.
November 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura’s stance against public funding on a new stadium for Minnesota Twins. His view and actions have drawn criticism from some voters and fellow politicians.