LATHAM, N.Y. – The New York State Credit Union League thinks credit unions can learn a lesson in grassroots campaigning from Jesse Ventura and has invited the former governor of Minnesota to speak to attendees at the league's 84th Annual Meeting and Convention, scheduled for June 15-19. Ventura, who is serving as a political commentator for MSNBC during the 2004 campaign season and who spent 11 years as professional wrestler and appeared in several films before being elected governor, shocked the political establishment by defeating Attorney General Hubert Humphrey III and St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman to win the governor's seat in Minnesota in 1998, becoming the first-ever Reform Party candidate to win a statewide office. Ventura continues to be outspoken in his belief that private citizens must get involved in local government to bring about change. New York State Credit Union League President/CEO William Mellin said the league feels "our credit unions will relate to Governor Ventura's grassroots approach to his gubernatorial campaign. His experience dovetails perfectly with the number one strategic goal of New York credit unions, which is advocacy. Grassroots advocacy will be at the heart of this year's convention." The theme for the league's 2004 convention is "One Mission/One Voice!"