Although Gov.

Monday, November 20, 2000

Although Gov. Jesse Ventura’s decision to work as a color commentator on broadcasts of a new professional football league’s games has some Minnesotans howling with aggravation, our view is that we need to wait and see what comes of the governor’s new part-time job.

For some, a venture into the odd world of XFL football is just another sign that Ventura doesn’t care about much except enhancing his own celebrity status. And it is certainly an indication that being governor is not exactly occupying Ventura’s entire attention. But neither Ventura’s propensity for seeking the limelight or his part-time interest in governing is a new issue. We’ve been living with both for nearly two years.

An argument might be made that a governor who works Saturdays as a football commentator isn’t a bad thing. For those who think we already have too much government, Ventura’s 9-5 approach to the statehouse might be regarded as a first step in the right direction.

There is also the question of whether a color-commentating governor who is almost certain to say something ridiculous or outrageous on live television will do the state much harm. To date, it does not seem that Ventura’s more ridiculous statements (the famous religion gaffe, for example) have really had much impact one way or the other on the state or its place in national affairs.

The greatest likelihood is that Ventura will serve out the rest of his term doing just about exactly what he wants to do. Is he as good a governor as he could be? No. Is he as good a governor as we deserve?

That’s the question voters will need to decide in November of 2000 if Ventura runs again.

Meanwhile, let’s see how Ventura’s latest non-traditional move works out.