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	More on Jesse Ventura from MPR's News Archive

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A Ventura report card

Over and out
Gov. Jesse Ventura, the former pro wrestler who stunned the political world when he was elected in 1998, announced that one term is enough. "I am not seeking reelection right now," Ventura said in an interview broadcast live on Minnesota Public Radio. "I will not run again." June 18, 2002


Ventura - the year in review
The curtain rises Tuesday on the last legislative session of Gov. Jesse Ventura's first term in office. It will also be the governor's first battle with a budget deficit, projected to be a whopping $2 billion over the next year and a half. But Ventura has surprised many observers by negotiating politically tricky waters before. January 28, 2002
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Unicameral issue may be key to Ventura's political future
Gov. Jesse Ventura says he won't make a final determination about running for re-election until the legislative session is complete. But he hints those interested in making predictions should pay special attention to a particular issue this year: unicameralism. January 15, 2002
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Ventura concerned about security for himself
Gov. Ventura reassured Minnesotans this week that the state is prepared to deal with a terrorist attack. But even as he has tried to calm the public, Ventura has shown increasing concern about the security of the state Capitol - and his own personal protection. November 15, 2001
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Ventura visits 'ground zero'
During Gov. Jesse Ventura's visit to New York, Ventura met with a bond rating agency and toured the area of the World Trade Center disaster site, where he handed out memorial cards written by Minnesotans to relief workers. October 3, 2001
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Ventura proves his popularity
Gov. Jesse Ventura wrapped up his tour of southwestern Minnesota in New Ulm Friday. Ventura sampled beer, got close to the town's famous monument and broadcast his weekly radio show from German Park. The visit almost felt like a campaign swing, but Ventura insists he's putting off a decision on whether to run for re-election until next year. September 7, 2001
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Ventura Meets His Match: Hunters
Gov. Jesse Ventura has apologized for his comparison of deer hunting with his own military career. Ventura had seemed to question the legitimacy of hunting animals that can't defend themselves. But after extended criticism from sporting groups, the governor's backing down. April 6, 2001
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Ventura Holds Court
Gov. Jesse Ventura revealed more than just his opposition to abortion legislation during an appearance on MPR's Midday program. The governor staked out positions on a host of proposals now under consideration at the Legislature. March 27, 2001
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Gauging Ventura's Contributions
Minnesota's experiment in tripartite government begins its third year this month, and Gov. Jesse Ventura says the system is a success. But leaders in the state Legislature say the governor has yet to make his mark in any fundamental sense and that it's too soon to reach a verdict on Minnesota's peculiar arrangement. January 16, 2001
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Ventura to Lawmakers: 'Bring it On'
Lawmakers at the Capitol are moving toward reigning in some of Governor Ventura's outside deals. After a hearing in Saint Paul, Ventura indicated he's ready for a fight. December 19, 2000
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Has NAFTA Helped Minnesota?
Representatives from more than 40 Minnesota companies and agricultural concerns say they're getting into the serious business portion of a six-day trade mission to Mexico led by Gov. Jesse Ventura. Ventura says the time is right, six years after the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, for Minnesota companies to boost trade with Mexico. October 25, 2000
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Ventura Lays Business Building Blocks in Mexico

Gov. Jesse Ventura has completed the first official day of his six-day trade mission to Mexico. Ventura met outgoing Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo at the Mexican Presidential Palace and later gave a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City. He and many Minnesota company representatives who've joined him on the trip, finished off the evening at a reception at the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Mexico. October 24, 2000
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Ventura Visit Comes at Momentous Time
Governor Ventura embarks on the first full day of his Mexican trade mission. His visit comes at a momentous time in the country's history. For the first time in 71 years, the dominant political party is handing over power to an opposition leader. October 23, 2000
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Ventura's Still a Hit
Minnesotans are giving Gov. Jesse Ventura high marks for the recently concluded legislative session. A pollconducted for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and KARE-11 TV shows more respondents approve of the governor's performance than of the Legislature's. July 13, 2000

Ventura's Rural Tour
Gov. Jesse Ventura kicked off a tour of rural Minnesotain late Juneby urging flood victims of northwestern Minnesota to "keep your chins up," promising the state will be a strong partner in their recovery efforts. "We will be there. We're all in this together," Ventura said Tuesday in Moorhead as he kicked off a 12-city bus tour of the northwestern part of the state, much of it still waterlogged from a heavy storm a week earlier June 28, 2000

What's Ventura Promoting?
The governor is once again defending his extra-gubernatorial activites amid criticism he's more interested in promoting himself than representing Minnesotans as the state's highest elected official. June 16, 2000
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Restless Jesse
Governor Ventura tapes an episode of his favorite soap opera, then defends making money on state time. "I have a right to a private life," Ventura says. June 14, 2000
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Ventura Promotes Tourism, Makes Soap Opera Debut
Governor Jesse Ventura has accepted an invitation to help represent the U.S. tourism industry at a major trade show in Berlin in March 2002. For now, however, he says he's mixing business and pleasure in his California trip, promoting Minnesota tourism while taping appearances on a soap opera and NBC's "The Tonight Show" June 14, 2000
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Ventura Says He Could Run for President, But Won't
In a speech on his California tour, Governor Jesse Ventura said he could appear on the Presidental ballot in all 50 states, but that he won't. June 13, 2000
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Ventura: Little State Can Do to Stop Mine Closing
During an appearance on MPR's Midday program, Ventura seemed resigned to the Hoyt Lakes mine closing without a fight. But he was ready to take the gloves off with reporters who were more interested in a new book chapter. (5/25/00)
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The Art of No Deal
Governor Ventura has often proclaimed his lack of ability as an artist. When it comes to the art of political negotiations and consensus-building, he may be right. (4/19/00)
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Ventura Testifies Before Congress on China Trade
Governor Jesse Ventura spent the day in Washington urging Congress to approve broad long-term trade relations with China. Ventura brought what he called a common sense message about free trade in testimony before the one of the most powerful committees of the House.(3/30/00)
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Ventura's Popularity Rebounds
A Minnesota Public Radio - St. Paul Pioneer Press poll finds a majority of registered Minnesota voters think Governor Jesse Ventura is doing a "good" or "excellent" job. Ventura's popularity is rebounding since his controversial comments to Playboy magazine last fall. (3/06/00)
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Ventura's New Image?
Last year at the National Governors Association conference, Jesse Ventura was more of a celebrity making an appearance than a governor. As this year's conference, that's changed. MPR's Mark Zdechlik, travelling to Washington with Ventura, reports Ventura has adopted an all-business style with his colleagues. (2/28/00)
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A Year of Jesse
Jesse Ventura, a.k.a. Jim Janos and Jesse the Body, took office as governor of Minnesota one year ago. Ventura was easily the biggest act in the world of Minnesota politics in 1999. But 12 months into his term, some of the hype has begun to fade, and Minnesotans inside and outside politics are beginning to think of him as just another elected official.(1/03/00)
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Battling SEALs
An ex-SEAL's article spawns a debate about whether Governor Ventura has been completely honest about his military service. (12/15/99)
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On Your Own
In the second installment of his "Big Plan," Governor Ventura outlines his vision for a self-sufficient Minnesota. (10/12/99)
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Mr. Ventura Goes to Harvard
Ventura kicks of an East Coast media blitz with a private forum with students and faculty at Harvard. (10/7/99)
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The Big Plan Revealed
In his most sweeping policy document yet, Governor Ventura outlines his vision for Minnesota. (10/6/99)
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Playboy Fallout Hits Capitol
A day after the Playboy-interview flap hits, Governor Ventura returns to his radio show. (10/2/99)
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Playboy Interview Puts Ventura in Crisis Mode
Ventura takes on organized religion, reporters, and laws against prostitution and marijuana. As a result, some say he may have crossed the line. (10/1/99)
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The Honeymoon's Over, Now Comes the Divorce
The honeymoon between Governor Ventura and the Capitol press corps ended the night he joked about drunken Irishmen in St. Paul. Now it appears Ventura has concluded he doesn't need the local media anymore. Reporters are worrying that he may be right. (9/23/99)
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Ventura's Clout
For a person who was swept into office on the basis of an anti-professional-politician platform, Governor Ventura is starting to look like a political kingmaker in the maneuvering over a Reform Party presidential candidate. (9/20/99)
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Ventura Steps Into the Ring
After weeks of hype, Governor Jesse Ventura finally made his appearance as a "guest referee" August 22 at the World Wrestling Federation's SummerSlam. (8/23/99)
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No Conflict for Ventura
A judge ruled that Governor Ventura's upcoming stint as a WWF referee does not violate conflict of interest laws. (8/19/99)
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Ventura's Conflict of Interest
Common Cause Minnesota has filed a complaint against the governor regarding his wrestling appearance. (8/18/99)
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A Unicameral Legislature?
Governer Ventura is stumping for a one-house legislature, but faces stiff opposition. (8/17/99)
Read | Listen Ventura to Farmers: Deal with It
Rural Minnesota needs to get rid of the crisis mentality, according to the governor. (8/12/99)
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Payback Time?
Governor Ventura should reimburse the state for personal expenses, says auditor. (7/30/99)
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"The Body" Is Back
Governor Ventura announces details of his return to the ring. (7/14/99)
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Into the Ring for Jesse?
The WWF announced that Governor Ventura will make an appearance at their summer extravaganza. (7/12/99)
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Schtick to Business
Critics say Governor Ventura should tone down his "schtick" and be more like a governor. (6/25/99)
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It's His Party Now
Governor Ventura flexes muscle in the Reform Party and sets up a showdown with the forces of Ross Perot this summer. (6/30/99)
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Selling the Office
Common Cause alleges Ventura peddled influence. (3/99)
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Ventura Finds Refuge Out of Capitol (2/18/98)
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Jesse Ventura on Midday with Gary Eichten (11/6/98)
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The Future of the Reform Party (11/6/98)
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Effect of Ventura on NAACP Lawsuit (11/6/98)
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Are Others Making Fun of Us? (11/6/98)
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Business Community Reacts to Ventura (11/6/98)
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Governor-Elect Returns to Radio (11/4/98)
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Voters Attracted to Ventura Image (11/4/98)
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Ventura Begins Planning Agenda (11/4/98)
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Voters Use Election to Speak Out (11/4/98)
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