and The Associated Press

It takes decades for political legacies to take solid form. Yet, however history paints Gov. Jesse Ventura's term, it will be done in bold brush strokes, with plenty of color and few shades of gray. And it will be an original.

Ventura announced Tuesday that he would not seek re-election to his governor's post this fall.

In the 3 1/2 years since Ventura, in his own words, "shocked the world" by winning a three-way race with 37 percent of the vote, he's kept the world watching, reading and listening.

Geoff Baker, Mower County Republican Party chair, said Ventura's decision "makes it easier for us."

"I think it is good new for us," Baker said, " because it makes it easier for us to compete against one other major party."

"Also, it allows us to draw very sharp contrasts between Tim Pawlenty and Roger Moe in the gubernatorial race," Baker said.

On a personal basis, Baker added that he was stunned by the Ventura announcement. "Jesse Ventura loves the spotlight and now he will be out of it," he said.

Meanwhile, Pat Higgins, Mower County DFL Party chair, agreed: Two choices make it simpler for the major parties.

"I was surprised by the governor's decision," Higgins said. "It's a plus for both of us -- the Democrats and the Republicans -- because three major candidates make it more difficult to decide than two."

Unless a third party candidate emerges, like Ventura, as a major Independent Party force or the Green Party produces a candidate to capture the voters' attention, this year's state office elections will come down to the choices between the GOP and the DFL.

The GOP ticket features three candidates without the name recognition the DFL slate offers.

The DFL's Higgins is encouraged for her party. The GOP's Baker said there is more to consider than name recognition.

Higgins also said, "Statistics show people will vote for the party with the greatest name recognition. Swing votes always do that so in that respect the DFL Party may have the edge over the GOP ticket this year."

Republican Baker admitted some people may think the DFL slate of candidates as more "star power."

However, the presence of three novices on the GOP's state ticket -- Lt. Governor Carol Molnau, state Auditor Pat Awada and state Attorney General Tom Kelly -- does not in any way disappoint political activist Baker.

The lack of state office experience among the trio of GOP candidates should not, according to Baker, detract from their assets as candidates.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com