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Speaker of the House
Steve Sviggum

463 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296- 2273

For Immediate ReleaseFor more information contact:
October 5, 1999Bill Walsh (651-296-0640)
NEWS RELEASE
"BIG PLAN" LONG ON RHETORIC, SHORT ON DETAILS
House leaders question Ventura's commitment to policy between sessions with
Playboy and David Letterman, Barbara Walters

(St. Paul) House leaders gave a somewhat indifferent response to Gov. Ventura's "Big Plan" presentation in Mankato today saying the plan was long on rhetoric but short on details and implementation.

"His proposals may merit consideration, but without the specifics on how he plans to accomplish these things, it really doesn't mean much," said Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum.

They also raised questions about whether Ventura can be taken seriously by the people of Minnesota on important policy issues while he continues to exploit his national celebrity status through interviews with Playboy Magazine, David Letterman, and Barbara Walters.

"Last week, organized religion was a 'big sham' and this week he comes out with the 'big plan.' We hope the governor becomes serious about governing and less concerned about various entertainment ventures," said House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty.

"Trying to govern between controversial and confrontational interviews does not serve the state of Minnesota or it's people well," added Sviggum.

The two House Republican leaders said the governor's proposals would get a hearing in the next legislative session if and when they are submitted in bill form.

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