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August 29, 2008 8:43:21 CDT

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Ventura Won't Jump Into Senate Ring

Posted Jul 15, 08 5:57 AM CDT in Politics 

(Newser) – Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura wrestled with the idea of running for the US Senate as an independent candidate, but has decided he won't join the race against Republican pro-war incumbent Norm Coleman and satirist Al Franken. His uncomfortable experience facing intense media scrutiny as governor and concerns about his family's privacy were key factors in his decision, he told CNN's Larry King Live.

"I'm not going to run at this moment," said the former professional wrestler, who called his decision "agonizing." A recent poll found that with Ventura in the race, Coleman would now lead with 43% of the vote, followed by Franken with 27% and Ventura with 26%. Without Ventura as a candidate, Coleman leads 52% to 39%.

Source Minneapolis Star Tribune

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Jesse Ventura presents his first State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature at the State Capitol in 1999.   (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid, File)
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura halted his political comeback before it began yesterday by announcing he won't launch a third-party bid for the US Senate.   (AP Photo/CNN, Larry King Live)
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura signs his book, "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me," during an appearance at the Mall of America.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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