The still-simmering personal and political flap over the governor's mansion went public again Monday, with staffers laid off by Gov. Jesse Ventura telling stories of all-night mansion parties by the governor's son, Tyrel.

The former residence manager -- fired by Ventura when the mansion's future was in limbo earlier this year -- said Tyrel Ventura has held weekend parties at the residence since his parents moved in, and some of them got out of hand, causing damage clean up and repairs at taxpayer expense.

The former staff members also claimed that the younger Ventura drank wine, beer and alcohol paid for by taxpayers, and security members even began confiscating driver's licenses to ensure there was no underage drinking going on.

The governor and first lady Terry Ventura say the claims are exaggerated. Tyrel Ventura has declined to comment.

John Wodele, a spokesman for the governor, accused the former staffers of exaggerating what went on at the mansion in retaliation for being laid off.

Of former residence manager manager Dan Creed, who is quoted in recent news accounts, Wodele said, "This is a disgruntled employee who is sadly using the governor's children to get back at the governor because the governor essentially fired him for incompetence."

However, Wodele acknowledged some property damage that required "minor repairs," and Charlie Weaver, Ventura's public safety commissioner, confirmed that troopers were concerned about drinking and did take licenses.

Creed said none of the staff talked about the partying until they were asked by reporters, who had been tipped by some young people who visited the mansion. "We're not out trying to be vindictive," he said. "We don't have an ax to grind."

The latest news coming from the Summit Avenue mansion continues what has been a three-month saga about the future of the mansion, triggered by politics at the Capitol and continued through Ventura firing the complete staff and charging fees to nonprofit groups and charities seeking to use the mansion.

Ventura announced in early March that cuts to his security budget would mean closing the mansion because there wasn't enough security to adequately protect his family and they lived at their Maple Grove home most of the time.

That prompted some political back-and-forth and some legal advice from the attorney general's office through the end of April.

Then, two weeks ago, after money was made available to keep the mansion open, Ventura abruptly fired the staff and announced limited use of the mansion, and the fees for nonprofits which previously only paid for food.

But the firings caught the most attention, with workers decrying the loss of their job, and threatening a lawsuit to get them back.

Then, Monday, came comments from Creed, who detailed the need to repair an antique chair, clearing broken glassware and cleaning fabrics soiled by alcohol and vomit.

One broadcast report said that, on some evenings, party-goers would sleep at the mansion after Ventura left.

Creed said that one evening, someone entered the workers' offices and used the computers.

The story comes as Ventura is pondering another run for office amid widespread speculation about his decision. He told a local radio reporter during his China trade mission last week that he would talk with his wife and possibly make a decision this week.