November 29, 1999 - Will Paul Wellstone break his long-standing promise not to run for a third term in the U.S. Senate? In an interview published in the Mesabi Daily News over the weekend, Wellstone seemed to suggest he'd consider running a third time. Today he said those comments were just speculation, and he says he still intends to come back to Minnesota at the end of his second term. But Wellstone ALSO opened the door wider for a campaign for Governor in 2002.
November 9, 1999 - In a few hours, it will be Wednesday morning in Japan, the day Governor Ventura returns to Minnesota. Ventura spent the last day and half finising up business in Tokyo, then riding the Bullet Train to the industrial city of Osaka for an overnight visit on his way home. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, the Governor seems to be very satisfied with the way his Japan trip has gone.
November 8, 1999 - Governor Ventura visited a model Tokyo High School early this morning, and, as usual, he was a big hit with the kids. His philosophy of smaller class sizes was also popular among the students, who say Japan might have something to learn from the U.S. when it comes to giving children individualized attention.
November 8, 1999 - Governor Ventura entertained Japanese tour directors last night with the help of the Beach Boys. The Northwest Airlines/Mall of America party was designed to help attract more Japanese tourists. The Governor seems fond of the Japanese, and likes to point out to the Minnesota media pool that he's been there before, unlike many of them. In a one-on-one interview with the Governor, Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste asked him about his affinity for Japan and the Japanese.
November 4, 1999 - Governor Ventura will sell Minnesota's agriculture and basketball today on his fourth day in Japan. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste is travelling with the governor:
November 3, 1999 - Governor Ventura is just starting his second full day of his ten day trade mission to Japan. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste is in Tokyo with the Governor and has more on today's itenerary.
November 1, 1999 - Governor Ventura leaves today on a ten-day trade mission to Japan. This isn't the first time a Minnesota governor has gone there -- Governor Carlson visited there in 1992 -- but it IS safe to say this is the first governor with some name-recognition among the Japanese. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports on how Ventura plans to use his fame to push products "made in Minnesota."
October 28, 1999 - Presidential candidate Pat Buchanan paid his first visit to the home state of Jesse Ventura today, since announcing his switch to Ventura's Reform Party. Buchanan, who left the Republican Party on Monday, continues to be diplomatic toward the Governor, saying he respects Ventura's importance in the party. Still, Buchanan was unable to get a personal meeting with Ventura during this visit to Minnesota -- and his presence here has highlighted a growing rift inside the state Reform Party.
October 27, 1999 - Governor Ventura is raising the possibility of a public private partnership to fund start-up high technology firms in Minnesota. Speaking at a venture capital conference in Minneapolis , Ventura also urged the University of Minnesota to speed up the transfer of promising technologies to the private sector.
October 19, 1999 - Governor Jesse Ventura unveiled Phase Three of his Big Plan today at an electronics firm in Pequot Lakes. The focus of phase three, called "Service Not Systems" is on symplifying government, promoting more citizen involvement, and reforming the tax system.