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Former Gov. Ventura Likens Gov't Shutdown To Terrorism

January 24 - Ventura Sues DHS, TSA Over Body Scans, Pat-Downs
(credit: Joe Corrigan/Getty Images)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has compared the federal government shutdown to an act of terrorism and he's pushing a petition for people to voice their displeasure.

Ventura's online petition had hundreds of signatures as of Monday morning. It calls on leaders in Washington to end the nearly week-long partial government shutdown that has idled workers and disrupted services.

The former independent governor, who left office in 2003, says he thinks it's wrong that the government was shut down over a bid to block President Barack Obama's health care law. He says the move was akin to terrorism. In his petition, Ventura offers support for the health law.

He also says that the Internal Revenue Service should pro-rate taxes for every day the government is partially closed.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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