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The Spectacle Blog
Outgoing Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty told the editorial board of the Deluth News Tribune that knowing what he knows now — that Republicans would take over the state legislature — he regrets not running for reelection. Taken on its own, there’s nothing wrong with the comment. But if he does have presidential ambitions, it’s kind of perplexing as to why he’d come out and say this. Doing so merely reinforces the criticism of Pawlenty that he’s a local politician who isn’t cut out for national politics. Saying you’d wish you had run for governor isn’t exactly the best way to communicate that you have the confidence and drive to be president.
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More Blog Posts by Philip Klein
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/12/17/what-was-pawlenty-thinking
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Occam's Tool| 12.17.10 @ 3:41PM
The question, my dear Phillip, is not "what was he thinking?' but "With What was he thinking?"
We MN Republicans have known this for some time. MN does not grow great Conservatives, and Pawlenty doesn't have "It." Had he run for re-election, he would have lost.
218 phil| 12.17.10 @ 4:13PM
You are nuts.
Gene| 12.17.10 @ 4:59PM
Did't Minn. give us Al Frankan and that wrestler dude?
GreatOne| 12.17.10 @ 7:30PM
Agreed that Pawlenty is not a true conservative, with raising every "fee" he could find (and even create) while trying to claim he's not a tax raiser. Also he's a closet gay rights supporter, stated regrets over his support of the Human Rights legislation notwithstanding.
As for your assertion that Pawlenty would have lost, only someone with 2 prior DUIs and no apparent competent staff to refute the inevitable ads, and someone who insulted waiters/waitresses and then kept going back to the issue instead of moving on could have lost that race in a landslide Republican year that saw the GOP re-take both the state House and Senate for the first time in several generations.
218 phil| 12.17.10 @ 4:10PM
I imagine Tim Pawlenty laments the damage a lefty Governor will do in Minnesota after his remarkable record of holding the line on spending in a state dominated by tax and spend liberals. Governor Pawlenty would be a refreshing candidate compared to the I'm next, RINO dolt the RNC hangs us with. Tim is an articulate speaker with a balanced conservative philosophy, He is poised under attack , His message is clear and persuasive,not the sound bite crap the media deadens our minds with. He has been way out front on health care in a state that is difficult to communicate in due to left media domination. Put the pressure on Him and see if He stands up to it. We have had to support a lot poorer candidates in the past.
solidground| 12.17.10 @ 7:09PM
Fortunately, the Republicans swept both houses of the legislature, so it hopefully will be a Mexican standoff (can I say that without fear of being labeled racist?). The wild card will probably be the degree to which the legislative Republicans hew to their line. Unless they hold their ground, Minnesota will be in for a very long two years and an accelerating flight of business from the state.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.17.10 @ 4:48PM
218 Phil
Sarah might hire him as an aide, but he will never be nominated to national office...
How do I know? The lefties ignore him. heh.