It's time for governing, not entertainment.
That is what Roger Moe likes to say, and that is what Minnesota voters should expect now that Gov. Jesse Ventura is out of the governor's race.
Tim Pawlenty, the Republican candidate, is the most colorful person in the hunt, a politician with quick wit and quick quotes.
Moe, who carries the DFL banner, is working on becoming more colorful. A classic line he fed delegates at last month's Democratic state convention is that he can be wild: "I've got blue shirts."
The Green Party's Ken Pentel appears to be a typical activist, concentrating on issues, not delivering slick lines.
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And none of the people the Independence Party state convention may endorse next month has a fraction of the personality of Ventura and some, frankly, are boring.
To some people, the new look of the governor's race is a disappointment. No more talk about hot pink boas, no more controversy over improper use of state funds and state buildings. No more talk about moonlighting.
Maybe it will be harder to keep people awake, but it appears the remaining candidates will be able to concentrate on the issues, not so much personality or controversy. Not good for television stations always seeking blood and guts, but good for voters.
One of the reasons Ventura was elected was that he brought people to the polls who normally don't vote. Many Ventura voters were not well informed on issues. Many didn't know anything about where Ventura stood on issues like the state budget, abortion, the structure of government, etc.
"I think it is good news," Rep. Bernie Lileder said about Ventura not running. "Regardless of any elections, there is that element that is not in touch with any of the candidates."
Although he didn't want to say do straight out, the Crookston DFLer was saying Ventura attracted voters who are out of touch.
"I think it is going to be a more issues-oriented campaign now," Lieder said.
Added Pentel: "It clears the air a little bit and allows issues to come out for a clear discussion."
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And from Republican state Chairman Ron Eibensteiner: "Without him in the race, it makes it easier for both Republicans and Democrats. Jesse took up so much space by his sheer personality."
Reporters tend to concentrate on the unusual, the colorful. With Ventura out of there, perhaps more stories now will look at issues.
It is ironic that people often put so much emphasis on high voter turnout. More than 60 percent of eligible Minnesotans voted in 1998, a point politicians from Ventura to Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer love to bring up. However, a big turnout is not always good.
Countries that require citizens to vote don't have better governments than the United States; they just have more votes cast. Uninformed voters are more likely to pick a name they like, or vote due to party affiliation, rather than decide based on issues. That is bad news for good government.
Still, Moe, Pawlenty, Pentel and whoever else gets into the race will have to do something to attract attention. That is especially true for Moe -- who likes to remind people that those with Norwegian ancestry, like him, are boring.
Republicans often win when turnout is light. Moderate turnout helps Democrats like Moe. High turnout, we now know, may help candidates such as Ventura.
The governor will be missed on the campaign trail, but at least Minnesotans will be able to look at issues this year, not necessarily just personalities.
Davis is The Forum's Capitol correspondent in St. Paul. He can be reached at ddavis@forumcomm.com
