VENTURA WANTS NON-'STUPID' DRUG POLICY

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Minnesota's Gov.-elect Jesse Ventura says
the war on drugs should be "fought on the demand side not the supply
side" Speaking today on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Ventura, a
former professional wrestler and film actor, also had plenty to say
about taxes, Hillary Rodham Clinton and his role in the state house.
Ventura has already spoken loudly for drug policy reform.

He said today: "The government should not be invading the privacy of
our own homes, and I also believe that you shouldn't be legislating
stupidity.

If there are stupid people doing stupid things, it's not the
government's job to try to make them be smarter."

Ventura added that he approves of the legalization of medical
marijuana. Ventura said drugs, however, are not the main issue in his
state.

He said, "Our main issues are being overtaxed, our main issues are
education" The governor-elect went on to call Minnesota "the land
of ten thousand taxes." Ventura said that if the state has a new tax
surplus he would like to "have a trigger mechanism," so that when
leftover funds exceed a certain amount, they "would automatically go
back to the taxpayer rather than being allowed to get to the
legislature who would probably very well spend it again." Responding
to Hillary Rodham Clinton's description of his campaign as a
"sideshow," Ventura said, "First of all I think that she ought to not
leave the White House as often as she used to" and shouldn't be
worrying about politics in Minnesota.

As a Reform Party member, Ventura said he will act as a mediator
between the Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature "to
bring them together and do what's best for Minnesota."

Ventura, speaking from Minneapolis, also said that for now he's going
to concentrate on being governor and does not have presidential
aspirations. "In order for me to run for president in 2000 I'd have to
start campaigning now. I've got to much business to do here in the
state of Minnesota."

As a wrestler, Ventura was known as "The Body," and often wore
flamboyant costumes.

When asked about the type of message his drug policy and his past
image might send young people, Ventura said he intends to protect the
"dignity of the office" once he's sworn in as governor.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry