December 14, 1999 - Governor Ventura's office confirmed today that Ventura was never a member of the elite Navy "SEALs" -- but he says he did train to be a SEAL, and that his membership in the Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams was practically the same as being a SEAL. But a former SEAL and journalist in San Diego says the UDT's were NOT the same as SEALs during Vietnam, and he says Ventura is taking credit for the valor of others.
December 14, 1999 - The Ventura administration is announcing plans to bring advanced telecommunications services to the state's rural areas and promote competition throughout Minnesota.
December 3, 1999 - One day after announcing another whopping budget surplus Governor Ventura is rejecting claims Minnesotans are overtaxed. As lawmakers...especially House Republicans...call for an immediate permanent tax cut, Ventura says he wants to take a more deliberate approach. And at least an unscientific sampling of public opinion shows many people would rather the state spend some of the money than give it all back to taxpayers.
December 1, 1999 - Governor Jesse Ventura addresses the Minnesota Meeting. Ventura's spseech was about his support for a unicameral legislature and answer questions from the Minnesota audience and a national Internet audience. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
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.