Posted: 5/15/02

Ventura could gain upperhand again

Run, Jesse, run. Retire, Jesse, retire. Both are common cries coming from St. Paul this spring.

Love him or hate him, there is no disagreeing the governor, Jesse Ventura, is a man in the spotlight in St. Paul. His political future is what most want to know, and for now, heís not telling what heíll do.

The fascination with Venturaís future is something that has led to a less than productive session. Too much time has been spent by both the DFL and Republican sides in trying to discredit the governor. It has been politics at its worst.

What Ventura decides is anyoneís bet at this point. But there is one thing certain in my mind.

The longer the legislators dilly and dally and donít get their work done, Venturaís stock is going to rise. In many cases, he has the high ground in the political maneuvering that has gone on in St. Paul.

It is clear the other two parties of record want Ventura out.

They may be right in their wish, but with the tactics they are displaying, they might be charting more history for the great state of Minnesota. One mistake has followed another.

Rather than dealing with items of serious substance such as the long-term budget and debt projections for the state, the legislature has found the time to concentrate on business that is trivial at best. What about long term transportation issues and homeland defense questions?

Coming first have been bills that would require the governor to reveal outside income and a move to significantly reduce the administrative budget of the governor.

There has been action to disapprove a labor agreement with state employees because of benefits for spouses of the same sex. There are 54 employees in all. Are there not more pressing things to tackle at more appropriate times?

But we canít forget passage of the fireworks bill which legalizes sparklers. Oh, boy!

Even such topics as requiring the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools has transcended the common sense boundary of mandating something that we should all do based on own levels of patriotism. It wouldnít surprise me if Jesse vetoes the final product that reaches his desk.

The governor could be a bit smarter in how and where he picks his battles. The chip on his shoulder appears very huge at times.

Closing the governorís residence is just one example and he won few public points by doing so.

But there are points where Ventura cuts to the chase in terms of common sense. It was his initiative that crafted the ballpark plan that is stilling working through the process.

In many respects he has moderate views that are backed up by a streak of conservatism that pleases many Republicans. He doesnít believe in big government and he would like less taxation by the government, but isnít afraid to say a tax increase may be needed.

He has appeal to followers of both political parties and a unique ability to strike a chord with independents and those who donít usually get involved in the political process. This is what helped win his election nearly four years ago.

With the legislature facing the prospects of going home without a long-term budget fix, the job could fall to the governor to make necessary cuts. Once again he will have the high ground.

He will also have the high ground if a special session is the final result.

For sure Ventura has turned off many of the independents and two-party dissidents who supported him in 1998. But in the months ahead, he could recapture some of these votes and energize new voters if he decides to enter the fray.

If the current legislature truly wants Jesse to disappear, it will only happen if the politics as usual business is put to rest and the job gets done as citizens demand.

If it doesnít happen, donít be surprised if the big lug is around for four more years. Love him or hate him, but he might be just what we deserve. It could come down how much he is spoiling for the fight.

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