The Cato Institute is out with its annual report card on the fiscal performance of the nation’s governors. Those who do the most to control or cut taxes, spending, and debt levels score the best, those who do the opposite fare the worst. These grades take on added relevance as we evaluate possible 2012 presidential contenders.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal both get As. So did South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, though his presidential aspirations are hiking in Argentina. (The sole Democrat to get an A is West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, who is a candidate for Senate this year.) Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels earned a B and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour a C.
