January 4, 1999 - Minnesota's six new constitutional officers take office over the noon hour today -- and for the first time in the state's history, a national television audience will be watching the swearing-in ceremony. The focus of all the extra attention, of course, is Governor-elect Jesse Ventura. The colorful former pro wrestler is a natural media personality -- just as he was a natural campaigner last fall. What kind of governor will he make?
January 4, 1999 - Today's inauguration was heavy on ceremony and light on policy. Past Governor's have said it is usually the day AFTER such an event that the enormity of the job really SINKS in for a new governor. REACTION following today's event ranged from awe by Ventura supporters, to mild curiosity by tourists, to the wait-and-see attitude of some lawmakers.
January 4, 1999 - Those who gathered to hear Governor Ventura's inaugural speech today didn't hear his legislative blueprint. Instead, Gustavus Adolphus political scientist Chris Gilbert says they heard a sort of motivational speech for the state.
December 31, 1998 - The sweepstakes for Biggest Minnesota News Story is no contest this year. Jesse Ventura's upset victory in the race for Governor was such a shock, it's already an early candidate for biggest news story of the DECADE. His success caught almost everybody by surprise -- the media, the political parties, and especially his opponents.
December 31, 1998 - The sweepstakes for “Biggest Minnesota News Story” of 1998’ is no contest. Jesse Ventura's upset victory in the race for Governor was such a shock, his success caught almost everybody by surprise…the media, the political parties, and especially his opponents. MPR's Martin Kaste looks back on Ventura's rise.
December 31, 1998 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Minnesota lawmakers who've argued for less government regulation say 1999 could finally be the year they claim success. With a Republican-controlled House and a new Governor who campaigned on the issue, legislation cutting regulations may fare better than in previous sessions.
December 31, 1998 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports on Governor-elect Jesse Ventura meeting with "disenchanted voters." Ventura met with thirteen randomly selected Minnesotans who voted for the first time, or for the first time in several years, to understand what worked to draw voters out this year and what would keep them engaged in the future.
December 30, 1998 - MPR’s Martin Kaste reports on that Governor-elect Jesse Ventura spoke to reporters about his agenda for the 1999 legislative session, which begins next week. But Ventura did NOT get very specific, and he stopped short of presenting a short list of his legislative goals.
December 15, 1998 - Students who say they're concerned about cuts in financial aid, cheered as Governor-elect Jesse Ventura told them they should pay for college themselves. Ventura told students at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park that they'll enjoy their education more if they earn it. MPR’s Tim Pugmire interviews a couple students after event to get their take.
December 8, 1998 - MPR’s Martin Kaste reports that Governor-elect Jesse Ventura says he intends to keep working in the entertainment business, even after he takes office. Ventura is in the process of closing a deal to tell his life story in a ghost-written autobiography. Ventura calls it a "standard" book contract, and he says he doesn't think he's cashing in on being the governor-elect.