2005 Keynote Speakers

FORMER MINNESOTA GOVERNOR JESSE VENTURA
Saturday, June 11, 2005 (7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.)

Following Opening Night Ceremonies of the 66th session of Missouri Boys State, Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura will deliver the keynote address to the Boys State general assembly. The outspoken and often controversial actor, professional wrestler, Navy SEAL and public servant will speak on his experience as Minnesota’s single term as Governor and his views on a variety of issues.

CNN COMMENTATOR PAUL BEGALA
Sunday, June 12, 2005 (7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

CNN Commentator and political consultant Paul Begala will accept the 17th Annual George W. Lehr Memorial Speakers Chair and deliver the keynote address on Sunday evening. Begala will provide insight into American politics from a Washington-insiders point of view. He will also reflect on his time as a top aide to President Bill Clinton. Mr. Begala will hold a question and answer session following his prepared remarks. [Press Release]

FORMER MISSOURI GOVERNOR BOB HOLDEN
Monday, June 13, 2005 (7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Former Missouri Governor Bob Holden will deliver the keynote address at a special assembly on Monday evening in Hendricks Hall. Governor Holden will speak on a variety of issues facing Missourians and he will reflect on his time in Missouri’s Executive Office. A former Boys Stater, Holden has been a member of the Boys State staff for over 20 years. There will be a question and answer session following his prepared remarks. [Press Release]

MISSOURI GOVERNOR MATT BLUNT
Tuesday, June 14, 2005 (7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt will deliver the keynote address on Tuesday evening at a special assembly in Hendricks Hall. Governor Blunt will discuss the challenges he’s faced thus far in his first term and will share his vision for Missouri with the Boys State participants. Governor Blunt was a Boys State citizen in 1988. The Governor will take questions from the participants following his prepared remarks.

MISSOURI SECRETARY OF STATE ROBIN CARNAHAN
Thursday, June 16, 2005 (1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan will announce and certify the statewide election results and address the citizens at the Boys State general assembly in the CMSU Multipurpose Building. Secretary of State Carnahan will also take part in the Boys State group photo session at the Multipurpose Building.

FEDERAL JUDGE DUANE BENTON
Thursday, June 16, 2005 (8:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.)

U.S. Court of Appeals (8th Circuit) Judge Duane Benton will deliver the keynote address and swear-in the newly elected state officials at the Joint Session of the Boys State House and Senate on Thursday evening at Hendricks Hall. Judge Benton, a great friend to the Boys State program and member of The American Legion, will offer his best advice to participants of Boys State drawn from his experiences as MO Director of Revenue, MO Supreme Court Justice, little league baseball coach and his short time on the federal bench. Judge Benton will swear-in the new MBS Governor and all new MBS constitutional officers and Supreme Court justices.

U.S. ATTORNEY TODD GRAVES
Friday, June 17, 2005 (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)

United States Attorney for Missouri’s Western District Todd Graves will deliver the keynote address at the Boys State General Assembly in Hendricks Hall on Friday evening. Graves will speak about his experiences as a prosecuting attorney and his work prosecuting federal crimes in the U.S. Attorney’s office. Graves is a 1983 Boys Stater and plans to take questions following his prepared remarks.