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During his four year term, Jesse's favorable poll numbers were at one time...at 73%...the highest for any governor in Minnesota history. His much publicized verbal gaffe's notwithstanding, his popularity remained above 50% until early this year, gradually falling off from its peak to the current value of 48%.
Last week he announced that he would not seek another term. Those of you who remember your mathematics realize that 48% is a very good number indeed for a three way race. But, Ventura has had enough. The last straw was public disclosure of the fact that his son...while living at the governor's mansion...which Jesse and his wife eschewed for their comfortable suburban home...was throwing wild drunken parties. The snitches were staff members who were laid off when Jesse collided with the legislature on this year's budget. The Governor wanted to raise a few taxes, while the legislature...in this election year...wanted to keep giving away other people's money, even money the state does not have and can not constitutionally disburse. Guess who won? So, Ventura, in a fit of pique, closed down the governor's mansion and dismissed the staff..."to save money."
Since announcing his "retirement" from politics...we doubt that he will ever seriously seek the presidency...there have been a deluge of letters to the editor and op-ed pieces discussing whether or not Ventura was a good governor. Split about fifty-fifty, it seems that you either love him or hate him.
Those who loved him...among whom we number ourselves...were captivated first and foremost with his honesty. Our mothers always said that it is better to be quiet and SEEM stupid, than to open your mouth and PROVE IT. G. W. Bush took this advice to heart most of the time, but unfortunately found himself president with every one expecting him to occasionally say something. Jim Janos apparently never paid attention. Into the brain and out his mouth. We love it.
He is also credited for a number of legislative "triumphs"...all of which is bullshit, since passing laws requires a lot more people than the governor. Then there were the "Jesse checks"...tax rebates of both income and sales tax when the state was running a surplus. Jesse suggested that the money be returned to "those who paid it in the first place." The legislature, with not a single member of Jesse's party, jumped on this like frat boys on a keg of beer. What politician could ever resist giving somebody else's money to the voters? However, to their chagrin, Jesse got all the credit.
Then there are his detractors. For some odd reason, members of the minority parties are writing article after article about what a lousy governor he was. He didn't do anything! He embarrassed the State. He's a wrestler, for Heaven's sake! He's a lousy football commentator. He's fat and ugly!
Garrison Keeler...that Minnesota export that makes his living pretending to New Yorkers that Minnesotans are all Scandinavians and dumber than dirt...or something like that...had a good old time dissing hizonor. Now there was the pot calling the kettle black...or something like that.
But WE are gonna miss ya, Jesse. You were never dull, never lied to us...that we caught you...didn't cheat on your lovely wife, although you explicitly did place her among the weak minded who participate in (some) organized religion. Hey, nobody's perfect and she still seems to love your overachieving ass, so party on, Guv.
Those who think that Jesse's election had no lasting effect on politics are wearing blinders. In Minnesota, Jesse's selection for successor is Tim Penny, who was at one time what-passes-in-Minnesota-for-a-conservative Demidupe congressperson. The Demidupes (Democrat/Farmer/Labor in MN) and the Pooblioobs (Independent Republican in MN) have nominated well known but drab professional politicians. They are all three currently deadlocked in the polls at 25%, with the Green Party...recently risen to "major party" status in MN...having a virtually unknown candidate already polling 5%. We are about to have a contested FOUR WAY race for governor. We predict that Penny will win, but the Green Candidate may emerge strongly during the debates...yes, we ignorant Minnesotans let everybody participate and count no vote as "wasted." Hopefully, after this next election the Poobs and Demis will be permanent minority parties.
What about the Minnesota Libertarian Party candidate, you might ask? Ha, ha, we respond.
Then there are Wisconsin and Iowa, where LP candidates ARE creating a stir. Watch out world, a revolution is stirring in the Heartland. It's called free and honest elections. Guess what? Given this choice, people actually vote here!
Talk to you later...
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