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Audio of Ventura appearances on MPR talk shows 

2002

Midday - December 17, 2002
Gov. Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday program -- his last appearance on the show as governor. He criticized budget-cutting plans of the incoming administration.
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Midday - June 18, 2002
Gov. Ventura announced he would not seek a second term as governor of Minnesota.
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Midmorning - May 20, 2002
As the Legislature ended its 2002 session, Gov. Ventura warmed up for a round of vetoes of elements of the bonding bill, and dished out criticism of the Legislature and education.
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Midday - March 28, 2002
Gov. Ventura's appearance came at a time when the House and Senate was at odds over several pieces of legislation - the budget deficit, a Twins stadium, anti-terrorism efforts, bonding, and transportation financing.
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Midday - February 19, 2002
Gov. Jesse Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday and discussed the state's budget problems, prospects for a new baseball stadium, and his gubernatorial record.
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Midmorning - January 29, 2002
Gov. Jesse Ventura appeared on MPR's Midmorning on the day the 2002 legislative session opened.
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2001

Midday - December 26, 2001
Gov. Jesse Ventura joined MPR Midday host Gary Eichten for a wide-ranging discussion including the projected $1.9 billion budget shortfall.
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Midday - November 7, 2001
In one of the defining moments of his term, Gov. Jesse Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday program to discuss the decision by Major League Baseball to eliminate two teams. During the show, "Bill" from Minneapolis and Ventura engaged in a heated conversation on the governor's leadership skills.
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Midmorning - October 23, 2001
Gov. Jesse Ventura appeared on MPR's Midmorning program on October 23, 2001. The governor said he doesn't think state workers should have the right to strike. He also discussed how security issues have changed since the September 2001 terrorist attacks.
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Midday - October 9, 2001
Gov. Jesse Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday program on October 9, 2001. The governor discussed the strike by 28,000 state workers, and also defended his controversial trip to New York City in early October.
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Midday - April 17, 2001
Gov. Jesse Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday program on April 17, 2001. The governor discussed the fate of a tax rebate, floods in Minnesota, expansion of the sales tax, and the controversy surrounding his comments on hunting.
Listen to the broadcast, or watch a slideshow for highlights of his appearance.

Midday - March 27, 2001
On Gov. Jesse Ventura's monthly appearance, he said he'd veto a bill at the Legislature that would create a Choose Life license plate. He also voiced support for sports betting legislation.
Listen.3/27/01

Midday - March 7, 2001
MPR's Midday hosted the governor for a discussion about his tax plan and his budget proposals for education. Callers also asked questions about long-term care and about his "thin skin." Listen or
3/7/01

Midmorning - February 8, 2001
Gov. Jesse Ventura visited MPR's Midmorning program to discuss his budget proposals. The governor also discussed his change of heart on mandatory seat-belt use and also his opposition to a state-run casino.
Listen.2/8/01

2000

Midmorning - December 20, 2000
Gov. Ventura joined MPR's Katherine Lanpher on Midmorning to talk about his outside business interests in the wake of a controversy over his contract to announce games for the XFL.
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Midday - December 5, 2000
Gov. Ventura joined MPR's Gary Eichten on Midday to talk about the presidential deadlock and other issues. Ventura's appearance came the day before he was to make a speech on government ethics.
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Midmorning - September 12, 2000
Gov. Ventura discussed a proposal to revamp the state's property tax system during an appearance on MPR's Midmorning program with Katherine Lanpher. The governor also discussed his new book Do I Stand Alone?
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Midday - August 3, 2000
Gov. Ventura blasted Republicans and the media, after the Republican National Convention featured a professional wrestler. Ventura questioned why he was criticized a year ago for participating in a pro-wrestling event, when there's been no such criticism of the Republican Party for associating itself with wrestling. The governor also defended his education commissioner in the wake of a controversy over the incorrect scoring of basic skills math tests in Minnesota schools.
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Midday - May 25, 2000
A day after the LTV Corporation announced the closing of the Hoyt Lakes taconite mine, Governor Ventura talked about the state's role in the situation. He also addressed trade with China and a new edition of his book that is critical of the media. Midday - 5/25/00
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Midday - April 25, 2000
In the waning days of the 2000 session of the Minnesota Legislature, Governor Jesse Ventura joins Gary Eichten's on MPR's Midday to discuss his legislative initiatives and answer listener questions about his decisions thusfar. Miday - 4/25/00
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Midday - March 13, 2000
Governor Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday program with Gary Eichten to discuss the fate of his legislative agenda, including his proposal for a unicameral legislature.
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1999

Midday - December 28, 1999
Governor Ventura appeared on MPR's Midday program with Gary Eichten to review his first year in office and take questions from callers.
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Internet Town Meeting - December 1, 1999
Governor Ventura addressed the Minnesota Meeting in an Internet Town Meeting.
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Midmorning - November 29, 1999
Governor Ventura talks to MPR's Katherine Lanpher about career politicians, his trip to Japan, his Playboy interview and more.
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Midday - July 13, 1999
"Why Do They Call Me a Former Wrestler?" Ventura speaks with Gary Eichten on Midday.
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Midday - January 6, 1999
On his first full day as governor, Jesse stopped by the MPR studios and spoke with Gary Eichten on Midday.
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