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Ventura closes out his term
by Michael Khoo, Minnesota Public Radio
January 3, 2003

Jesse Ventura at his last news conference as governor. His final comment -- "Thank you, Minnesota. It's been a blast." (MPR Photo/Michael Khoo)

Gov. Jesse Ventura Friday gave what is likely to be his last news conference as Minnesota's chief executive. Ventura has had a sometimes difficult relationship with the reporters who cover him. Although the event was cordial, it was in many ways characteristic of previous appearances before the men and women he knew as "jackals." And Ventura repeated a cryptic warning that he would be more dangerous once he leaves office next week.

St. Paul, Minn. — Ventura called the press conference to name two more judges to the state court system. That brings his judicial appointments to 72. But it's clearly not what drew the unusual number of reporters, cameramen, and photographers.

Ventura has received nearly unanimous praise for keeping politics out of the judicial selection process, and he tried to keep the press conference focused on the appointments, deflecting most other questions with typically terse replies.

Did he accumulate any regrets over the last four years? "No," Ventura answered.

Had he given any thought to his official gubernatorial portrait? "No," he answered again.

Would he comment on his farewell party planned for Saturday night? "No."

But on this point, Ventura couldn't resist a slight dig at his audience of Capitol reporters.

"If I wanted you there, you'd have gotten invited. And it's no slight upon you. But there are certain people that are coming in for the party, and we want them to enjoy the party and not have to sign autographs or get pictures taken of them," said Ventura.

The evening in downtown Minneapolis is being arranged by First Lady Terry Ventura. Proceeds from the $100-per-person event will fund a scholarship at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School, which Ventura attended, and go to a foundation to assist special-needs children.

The governor did give one affirmative answer -- although it was hardly more illuminating than his other remarks. He was asked, at one point, if he would remain active in public affairs.

"Yeah, I expect to vote," said Ventura.

And that, evidently, is that. The governor is saying very little about his future plans. He's even declining to say when he might say something about his future plans.

Maybe it's not a high profile. I might be joining my friend Jeff and doing the garbage in south Minneapolis," Ventura said.

But that's clearly a joke, joke, joke, as the governor was fond of saying. Ventura is reported to be discussing a cable television talk show deal -- and he hinted he could use such a forum for striking back at the reporters who he felt targeted him during his four years in office.

"I'd rather critique the media. Because no one does that, and I think it's high time someone does," said Ventura. "Somebody shines the mirror back on you guys, and doesn't let you put stories out that have no ending to them or -- the things that you people like to do."

In keeping with the brevity of his previous responses, the governor allowed as how he had few thoughts about leaving office. His immediate attention was on the NFL playoffs. He had only one message for the state as a whole.

"Thank you, Minnesota. It's been a blast."

For the media, he had a slightly different message.

"As of Monday, you will fear me."

Gov. Jesse Ventura steps down Monday when incoming Republican Tim Pawlenty is sworn in.

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