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.
November 16, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minneapolis businessman Harvey MacKay about a group of state business leaders that will meet with Governor Jesse Ventura to discuss the future of the Minnesota Twins. The group is working on a proposal to buy the team from owner Carl Pohlad. They're also exploring ways to get a new ballpark.
November 20, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews John Wodele, communications director for Governor Ventura, about projected state budget shortfall. Finance Commissioner Pam Wheelock says the projected budget shortfall could be as high as one billion dollars when the revenue forecast is announced. The Ventura administration is asking state agencies to plan for budget cuts of up to 10%.
November 21, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Peter Hutchinson, the former finance commissioner under DFL Governor Rudy Perpich, about the fact that for the first time in years, budget cuts are likely for the state government. The Ventura administration is telling state department heads and others agencies to find spending cuts of up to 10% in their budgets.
November 21, 2001 - Governor Ventura says that Minnesota is well-prepared for a terrorist, but after reviewing its policies after September 11th, a few changes are recommended. Ventura says that there are three things that terrorists need in order to be successful: money, identification, and information.
November 22, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews DFL State Senator Linda Berglin, chair of the Health, Human Services, and Corrections Budget committee, about the Ventura administration unveiling its plan for fighting terrorism. It includes more wiretap authority for the government, limits on public access to sensitive information, and broader authority to quarantine citizens in the event of a bioterrorist incident.
November 28, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson talks with Steven Wagner, one of three St. Cloud professors who released results from a St. Cloud State University poll that shows Governor Ventura's approval rating has dropped sharply. 44% of respondents rated Ventura's overall performance as "excellent" or "pretty good." That's down from 63% the year prior.
November 29, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that while it is too soon to tell if extending taxes to services will be a major component to Ventura's financial recommendations, he may revive his plan. The response to the idea from Legislature has not been favorable and they are being vocal about it.
December 26, 2001 - MPR's Mark Zdechlik reports that Governor Jesse Ventura says Minnesotans will likely be more open to major governmental reform with the state facing a projected budget deficit of nearly two billion dollars. Ventura says he'll use his State of the State speech a week from tomorrow as something of a “Government 101” course to help Minnesotans learn how state taxes are spent.
January 3, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum provides a collection of political commentary regarding Governor Ventura’s upcoming final State of the State address of his term. In a break with tradition, Ventura will speak from the Governor's Residence with no live audience present. The governor says he'll focus on the state budget and the projected nearly two-billion dollar deficit.
January 3, 2002 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews political analyst Chris Gilbert about Ventura’s upcoming State of the State speech. In a break from the tradition of giving the speech to a live audience, Ventura has decided instead to speak from his official residence. He is not expected to take questions afterward. Gilbert says tonight's fireside chat format suits Ventura.