James George Janos, better known as Jesse Ventura, is an American politician, actor, author, and former professional wrestler who served as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003.
Born July 15, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ventura served as a Navy UDT member during the Vietnam War, and later as mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 1991 to 1995. In 1998, In a major upset, Ventura narrowly defeated both the Democratic and Republican candidates for Governor. He was the first and only candidate of the Reform Party to win a major government position. In his role as governor, he was known for both his independence and combativeness with political parties and the press.
April 30, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Mike Hatch and others view that Governor Ventura cannot close the mansion even if the legislature will not give him enough money. If Ventura does not live in it, then staff needs to be hired to live there in order to prevent vandalism and to keep it clean.
April 30, 2002 - Governor Ventura says he would not oppose legislation that would require all state politicians to disclose their outside income, but he says lawmakers are unfairly singling him out. The Legislature is preparing to take up a bill that would require members on the State Board of investment to disclose their income. Ventura is a member of the board, along with Minnesota's other constitutional officers.
May 2, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Minnesota House bill passage that would require disclosure by the governor and the state's other top elected officials on all money that comes from non-state employment. The bill is not aimed at Ventura, but some think it could be due to his employment with the XFL, his two books, and his role in a movie during his governorship.
May 3, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura has promised to veto a bill targeting his outside income. The bill would require all members on the state board of investment to disclose any money earned outside of office. The governor also threatened to file a lawsuit if lawmakers override his veto and the bill become law.
May 8, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura and his staff are preparing for the worst. If the government doesn't figure out a budget, then he will do it himself and call the legislature into a special session. He can also call a special session in September, during election months, which some see as a way to make the candidates look bad.
May 9, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura re-entered budget negotiations as the legislative session heads into its final stages. Ventura called legislative leaders to his office to tell them what he expected in the proposed budget balancing plan, transportation financing package and bonding bill.
June 7, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Jesse Ventura departs for a week-long trade mission to China. Roughly 100 government and business leaders will join Ventura to help promote Minnesota products and services in the world's most populous country.
June 7, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer visited the Ventura ranch in Maple Grove and spoke with Terry Ventura in the barn where she runs a horse training and breeding business. She says she has learned a great deal since her husband was elected governor in 1998. Mrs. Ventura says it has taken her quite some time to get comfortable with her role as Minnesota's First Lady.
June 12, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with reporter Michael Khoo, who is in Shanghai, where Governor Jesse Ventura arrived for the second and final stop on his week-long mission to China. Ventura is visiting China to develop contacts and to promote Minnesota goods and services.
December 16, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo presents highlights of four years with Governor Jesse Ventura, and Minnesota's brief experiment with three-party government.