Posted: 1/13/01.
Ventura, Dayton bet on Vikings over Giants
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Already having offered to bet Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson the Stillwater bridge, Gov. Jesse Ventura’s willingness to lay a wager on Sunday’s Vikings’ game is keeping in form.
Ventura has placed a bet with New York Gov. George E. Pataki on the outcome of the National Football Conference game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants.
Ventura took the opportunity to zap Pataki on the Giants’ humble status.
“It’s pretty sad when the top seeded team in the playoffs is considered an underdog in its own stadium,” Ventura chided Pataki.
“I don’t think the Vikings will have much of a problem Sunday, unless the Giants bring Gifford and Summerall out of retirement,” Ventura said.
Ventura suggested on his WCCO radio show that he and Pataki place a bet. Pataki agreed.
In the unlikely scenario that Ventura loses, he has agreed to attend the $5 million Ultimate Fishing Derby on Onondaga Lake, N.Y., in August.
Pataki, if he is wise, has already made plans to attend Ventura’s fishing opener at Breezy Point Resort in Pequot Lakes on May 12.
In other betting action, Sen Mark Dayton has placed a bet with New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Sunday’s game.
Dayton wagered two pounds of Minnesota cheese, two pounds of Minnesota wildrice, and the book “How to Talk Minnesotan” in his bet with the First Lady.
Dayton said Clinton bet him some New York maple syrup, cheesecake, and a book on jazz.
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