Ventura speaks out against proposed constitutional amendments
Former Governor Jesse Ventura is speaking out against both constitutional amendments on the November ballot. Ventura recorded a video message earlier this month speaking out against a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. He also told a group of people at Macalester College that he opposed a proposed amendment that would require people to present photo identification to vote. He told MPR News he felt the amendment was aimed at reducing voter fraud that he says isn't there.
"It's clearly being done to disenfranchise poor people, immigration people, whoever. And you notice who sponsors it? The people who don't normally get those people's votes are the big sponsors of Voter ID. It sounds good on the surface but it sucks."
Supporters of the voter ID amendment argue it's needed to ensure integrity in the state's election system.
Ventura made his comments during a rally for presidential candidate Gary Johnson, who is running as a Libertarian.
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Ventura also said the same-sex marriage debate is an issue of civil rights. He said he believes the constitution should protect an individual's rights.
"It should not be on a ballot for the public to make that decision because you're asking a majority to make a decision that affects a minority," Ventura said. "If they allowed that, we'd probably still have slavery."
If the measure against gay marriage goes into the constitution, Ventura said it's unlikely he'd continue to live in Minnesota.
Ventura did speak in favor of a constitutional amendment on the federal level. He said he would favor an amendment that says corporations do not have the rights of individuals and money is not free speech.
"This decision by the Supreme Court is going to be the downfall of our country," he said.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions can spend unlimited money to influence political campaigns.
Here's Ventura full speech at the Johnson rally: