Posted on 06/19/2002 2:12:33 PM PDT by Alan Chapman
Jesse Ventura became an instant third-party hero when he was elected governor of Minnesota -- but failed dismally once in office because he governed like a typical Republican or Democrat, the Libertarian Party said today.
"Jesse Ventura is a case study in what third parties must avoid if they want to succeed in the long term," said Libertarian Party Executive Director Steve Dasbach. "After all, if voters want elected officials who lie, break promises, and raise taxes -- as Jesse Ventura did -- then there's plenty of Republicans and Democrats who are more than qualified."
On Tuesday, Ventura announced that he would not seek re-election this year, citing what he called unfair media reports that his son had trashed the governor's mansion during late-night parties.
However, political observers speculated that sagging popularity ratings and public anger over a flip-flop on raising taxes were the real reasons Ventura decided not to seek a second term.
Ventura, a former professional wrestler and Navy SEAL, garnered worldwide headlines when he was elected in 1998 on the Reform Party ticket, becoming the nation's only third-party governor. In 2000, he resigned from that party and joined the Minnesota Independence Party.
Ventura's election was a milestone for modern third parties in America, acknowledged Dasbach.
"Ventura made history when, against all odds, he was elected governor of Minnesota," he said. "He proved that a charismatic outsider could beat establishment Republican and Democratic politicians by running on a platform of limited government, common sense, and personal responsibility. Such a refreshing message galvanized disenfranchised citizens, and catapulted Ventura into the governor's mansion."
But once in office, Ventura squandered his reputation by acting like a typical Republican or Democratic politician, said Dasbach. Over the last four years, Ventura:
* Broke his promise not to raise taxes. While running for office, Ventura said he would "veto any new taxes and any increase in existing taxes." However, once in office, he tried to raise taxes on gasoline, tobacco, and corporate income, and tried to expand the state's sales tax.
* Broke his promise not to use tax dollars to build sports stadiums. While running for office, Ventura said that sports facilities should be "built with private money." However, once in office, the Ventura administration supported a proposal to use tax money to build two new stadiums.
* Broke his promise to limit the growth of government. While running for office, Ventura said he would "govern as a fiscal conservative." However, once in office, he increased the state budget by more than 22% in just four years -- and then tried to pay for that increase with higher taxes.
"There's a simple lesson from the Jesse Ventura experience for all third parties: Don't sell out," said Dasbach. "There's no market for third-party officials who break their promises and raise taxes."
Like, get a candidate that isn't an egomaniac and "nuts."
LOL No wonder a guy like Buchanan who does not sell out got so few votes.
After all he was the most "Libertarian" of all the candidates in the race, especially with his quote basically comparing an abortion to an appendectomy.
Good idea. Let's try Ross Perot again. lol
Which party do you take seriously and why?
These statements prove to me that the Libertarian Party is still a party based on theory, but not practical experience.
Enlighten us as to what you believe constitutes practical experience.
Why don't you look back and find a find something to corroborate your assertion?
After all he was the most "Libertarian" of all the candidates in the race...
Republicans often campaign like Libertarians, talking about small government and such, but then they govern like Democrats once elected.
That would have shown them.
No, Ventura should not have done nothing. He should have delivered on his promise not to raise taxes or increase spending regardless of wether the legislature overrided his vetos.
He should've taken a lesson from Bush Sr.
He would have had reason to, for Ventura's views at the time were quite libertarian. Dasbach's not the one who changed.
After all he was the most "Libertarian" of all the candidates in the race, especially with his quote basically comparing an abortion to an appendectomy.
As far as the law's concerned, they should be considered the same.
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