eligious and political leaders will gather tomorrow in front of the state capitol building in St. Paul, MN. and join others across the country in celebration of the National Day of Prayer.

   Unlike other states and cities, though, the event will not have the official stamp of approval from the state government. For the second year in a row, Gov. Jesse Ventura -- a natural lightning rod for political controversy -- has refused to issue a proclamation to promote the prayer event.

   "As the governor said a year ago, he respects an individual's right to pray, and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion," said Ventura aid John Wodele. "He believes prayer and religion are personal issues."

   That isn't sitting well with Tom Prichard, head of the Minnesota Family Council group which last year blasted Ventura's decision to not participate in the NDOP. MFC is the state-affiliate of the influential Family Research Council, the Washington, D.C. think tank and political group headed by Gary Bauer.

   Noting that last year the colorful governor had issued a proclamation on behalf of Rolling Stones Day, Prichard groused, "If he can acknowledge Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, I think prayer is worth of at least equal recognition."

   "Last time I checked," Wodele responded, "I don't think the Rolling Stones were a religious organization."

   The flap over National Day of Prayer is not the first time Ventura, former Navy SEAL and professional wrestling idol, has gotten into trouble for his views on religion.

   In October, 1999, word leaked of remarks that Ventura had made during an interview with Playboy magazine, where he held forth on everything from sex to politics. Ventura raised eyebrows -- and drew harsh criticism -- for his remark that "Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers. It tells people to go out and stick their noses in other people's business."

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