Associated Press Published Nov. 1, 2002 WELL02 Gov. Jesse Ventura says he'll wait until after Tuesday's election to name a temporary successor to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone -- if he fills the seat at all.

Ventura says he hasn't ruled out appointing the election winner or picking someone with no political background.

Meanwhile, Ventura's office and the state attorney general are looking at laws and Senate rules to determine how long the appointed senator would serve.

Although officials initially said the person would serve until election results are certified in mid-November, some now believe the term would run into January.

Ventura's choice is crucial because Congress is expected to meet in a lame-duck session sometime after the election. The Senate is evenly split 49-49, among Republicans and Democrats, with one independent, Jim Jeffords of Vermont, who is allied with the Democrats.

Ventura has received a stack of resumes from people who want the Senate job -- including doctors, educators, retirees and military servicemen. Phone calls and e-mails also are pouring in.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002