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 6, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Governor-elect Jesse Ventura about his election victory this week, the transition to his administration, and the national attention he's been getting. Program begins with Ventura reflecting on election night. Ventura also answers listener questions.
November 18, 1998 - Governor-elect Jesse Ventura met privately with Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe this afternoon (WED) to discuss legislative priorities for 1999. Despite what Ventura calls "philosophical differences" between the two men, their respective "to-do" lists appear to have a lot in common. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports: Ventura and Moe spent about 45 minutes in Moe's Senate office; Ventura says the principle topic of conversation -- besides small talk about show biz and the Tonight Show -- was his intention to reduce class sizes in Minnesota schools: ((VENTURA: I want very strongly to reduce those class sizes, especially in K through 3. If we can do others, that's terrific. But mainly in K through 3, we've got to get that student-teacher ratio DOWN.))
November 18, 1998 - As Ventura prepares to take office, he is sure to remember the political experts and lobbyists who gave him little respect before the election. Now some of those same people are flocking to his office asking for jobs. Morning Show humorist Dale Connelly imagined how those "career politicians" are feeling about now...with apologies to Leonard Bernstein and his "Officer Krupky" from West Side Story. "Governor Body" was written by the "Morning Show's" Dale Connelly and produced Dale and Silvester Vicic. It was peformed by Jerry Rubino Plus and recorded by Tom Mudge. The voice of the Governor was provided by Tom Keith. Sun 28-MAY 07:54:08 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
November 20, 1998 - The leaders of Minnesota's major political parties have had two weeks to mull over the meaning of this year's election results -- and the meaning of Jesse Ventura's surprise victory, in particular. In the DFL party, there seems to be a growing consensus (that) change would do the party good -- but there's little agreement so far about what kind of change. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports: There's been no shortage of post-election mea-culpas in the Republican and DFL parties since the morning after Ventura's big win -- both sides talked about how they needed to listen more closely to "the message" being sent by the voters. But what message, exactly, are the two big parties hearing? DFL chairman Dick Senese still admits to being baffled: ((SENESE: Voters who -- as someone who grew up on
November 30, 1998 - Governor-elect Jesse Ventura kicked up some controversy when he said it's time to talk about legalizing marijuana. Behind the discussion over legalizing marijuana is a much more contentious debate. There's a rising tide of voices saying we're not winning the war on drugs so we should legalize all or most of them. No where is the difference of opinion on the war on drugs more striking than on the front lines. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports. Sam Riley says he can put a year and month to when the United States lost the war on drugs. audio . . . we began losing he war in autumn of l986 - Nov of '86, everyone the business had a new product, try one, first one free.
December 3, 1998 - Hundreds of state employees gave an enthusiastic welcome to Governor-elect Jesse Ventura as he toured two state agencies that oversee Minnesota's environment. Ventura spoke to standing room only crouds at the state Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports. out: applause Governor elect Jesse Ventura strode into the cafeter
December 4, 1998 - (For ATC) Governor-elect Jesse Ventura's tour of state agencies focused today on higher education. Ventura visited the University of Minnesota and the offices of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. College students played a big part in the Reform Party candidate's election...a fact he acknowledged while talking to U of M administrators about his preparation for taking office... Jesse Ventura, speaking today at the Twin Cities Campus of the University of Minnesota. Sun 28-MAY 07:41:20 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 7, 1998 - Minnesota's future First Lady is planning a populist party to mark her husband's inauguration next month. As honorary chair of the Inaugural Committee, Terry Ventura has nixed the traditional black-tie gala, and has opted instead for a rock-and-roll-style blowout in the Target Center. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste has more: Terry Ventura says the usual black-tie-and-sequins inaugural ball is not her style -- or her husband's style, for that matter. She says she's not interested in tradition or formality: ((VENTURA: Our vision is of a party. A party that ecompasses all of MN. An event that encompasses and celebrates the people of this state and gets them involved in that celebration as much as possible.))
December 8, 1998 - Governor-elect Jesse Ventura says he intends to keep working in the entertainment business -- even after he takes office. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste has the story: Ventura is in the process of closing a deal to tell his life story in a ghost-written autobiography. The value of the contract is reported to be in the six figures -- probably close to half a million dollars. Ventura calls it a "standard" book contract, and he says he doesn't think he's cashing in on being the governor-elect: ((VENTURA: This whole book thing is based UP TO the election -- it's not based on anything beyond that... You know, it's going to cover wrestling, movies, the military -- you know, an autobiography.))
December 8, 1998 - [Note host outro!] The first poll since the election gives Governor-elect Jesse Ventura high marks for his performance so far. Nearly half the people polled for Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press consider Ventura a needed breath of fresh air in state government, although the other half say it's too soon to judge. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Host outro: Tomorrow, a look at the poll numbers on what to do with the budget surplus. 69-percent of the 807 Minnesota voters polled b