From staff reports

The only person who may have been surprised by a recent poll conducted by the state that showed Gov.

Tuesday, December 11, 2001

The only person who may have been surprised by a recent poll conducted by the state that showed Gov. Jesse Ventura’s popularity had reached its lowest level, was maybe Ventura himself. One, because he seems increasingly out of touch with his constituents and two, because he probably missed the poll results, because he refuses to read a newspaper.

The poll showed 53 percent of the 823 adults approved of the way Ventura is doing his job and 39 percent disapproved. The percentage of those who said they &uot;disapprove strongly&uot; of his job performance – 28 percent – is the highest since he took the job in January 1999.

For most of his tenure, Ventura has been able to walk the tightrope of public opinion, but last week’s announcement that the state faces a $2 billion deficit was the last straw for some Minnesotans. Ventura has only himself to blame for his current ordeal and his plummeting popularity. Though hailed as a &uot;man for the people&uot; when he took office, somehow he has effectively alienated himself from Minnesotans.

As predicted, Ventura and his administration have taken the poll results in stride and noted that the governor still enjoys the approval of the majority of Minnesotans. That’s true, but it won’t last. Mainly because Ventura’s novelty is running out and now, in the face of a dire deficit, he will have to make educated decisions instead of using his mouth and muscle to escape a political quagmire. And, unfortunately, he won’t be able to distract attention from the problem by appearing on some late-night talk show.

Ventura often strokes his ego by believing he is above the political process. This time, however, he needs to be a part of that process to help the state recover financially and for him to survive politically.