January 5, 1999 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Governor Jesse Ventura, who discusses officially taking on his new role. Topics include local politics, social programs, taxes, regulations, and Governor’s residence. Ventura also answers listener questions.
January 4, 1999 - 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Live Coverage of the Inauguration of Governor Jesse Ventura. We'll have live coverage of all the color and ceremony.... the swearing in of Governor Ventura and Lt. Governor Schunk and the other constitutional officers and live interviews with former Governors, the Speaker-elect Steve Sviggum and Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe. Also includes Wendell Anderson and Al Quie.
January 4, 1999 - Media from around the world and across the nation covered the inauguration today, continuing their fascination with Jesse Ventura.
January 4, 1999 - Jesse Ventura is now the Governor of Minnesota. Ventura was sworn into office today in a traditional inaugural ceremony at the State Capitol, marked by the presence of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and several hundred enthusiastic Ventura supporters. Ventura promised to be honest with Minnesotans, and to try to keep young voters involved in politics.
January 4, 1999 - Governor-elect Jesse Ventura kicked off two weeks of inaugural activities over the weekend. On Saturday, he released a bald eagle at the Isaac Walton Reserve in Brooklyn Park, then had a potluck lunch with Twin Cities-area farmers, which organizers billed as "Ag 101". Ventura didn't spend much time campaigning on agricultural issues, but is trying to get up to speed quickly on farm policy.
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.