Party of Pawlenty

Governor Pawlenty Steps Up and Leads. (Again)

2009-05-14T17:03:00.002-05:00

No tax cuts, no overly bloated budgets, no special session.

Governor Pawlenty made it very clear this afternoon that the political games and posturing in Minnesota have to stop. The legislature has had since January to prepare a real balanced budget that is worthy of a gubernatorial signature, and now that we are mere days from the constitutional deadline, it is clear there is no way the legislature will get that done.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he will use line-item vetoes and his authority to pull back spending to balance the state budget.

He said there will be no special session or government shutdown.

The Republican governor said he would prefer to work out a budget deal with Democrats who control the Legislature, but he says they are spending more than the state has. (Article Excerpt, click here for entire article)

The legislature put up a tax bill recently that they knew the governor was going to veto. Because of this, they cannot possibly (or constitutionally) fund all of the spending they are putting into the budget bills.

Practically, all of this could have been resolved by the legislature putting together a responsible budget months ago. But now that we are 3 days before the end of session, the only real way to come to a legislative conclusion would be to force a special session. That has its own, wasteful costs. The governor surprised the legislature today and is going to take the spending they give him and utilize the tools the constitution gives him to line-item what he can and unallot what he must.

So at the end of the day, Minnesota will have its constitutionally mandated balanced budget, and the tax burden will stay onerous (the Constitution doesn't allow him to cut taxes on his own), but at least not increase.

Thanks Gov!

Will Biden Choice Push McCain Further Towards Pawlenty?

2008-08-23T09:41:00.002-05:00

I got the text message this morning. Yes, Barack Obama sent me a text to tell me that he had chosen Joe Biden to run as his Vice Presidential Candidate.

So Obama/Biden will likely pick up Delaware. (Relax, Delaware, I'm just playing)

There is going to be a lot of armchair analysis over the next 24 hours about what this does for the race and what this does for McCain and his Vice Presidential choice. So I'll provide mine as well.

I think the choice of Biden makes it considerably more likely that Governor Pawlenty will be Senator McCain's choice.

I'm going to set aside for a moment that Biden has said Obama isn't ready, and the Biden HAS said the country would be better off with McCain. (Those two items being reasons why Obama might not have made a smart move here since both of those two statements will be repeated ad naseum). Everyone knows that Governor Pawlenty has been a steadfast, loyal McCain supporter, and that makes it much easier for him to campaign aggressively (because he believes in the campaign and Biden simply doesn't).

The choice of Biden makes Pawlenty the obvious choice because the contrast between the two at this point in history gives Governor Pawlenty every advantage in the world.

I'm sure Democrats will say Biden has more foreign policy experience than the Governor. Who cares? Seriously. I'm going to take this inept argument off the table right now. Governor Pawlenty, if chosen, will be running with Senator John McCain. Senator John McCain will obviously lead the team on all things foreign policy, and even with Biden's level of experience, Senator McCain has more credibility and knowledge on foreign policy issues than Biden and Obama combined.

This election is going to be about Jobs and Energy, and there are few in the country as prepared to talk about hope, the future, and better yet actual results on these issues as Governor Pawlenty.

I've written it before, but Governors across the country are watching to see what Governor Pawlenty does on Energy, and are following his lead. Governor Pawlenty recognizing a balanced approach of domestic exploration, Americanization of energy, along with Conservation and renewables is the only path towards the kind of energy policy that is critical right now.

And Governor Pawlenty, with his veto pen, has been THE leader fighting pork and wasteful spending. His veto pen compliments McCain's crusade over the years against earmarks and pork. This would be an amazing team on the issue of jobs and the economy. Governor Pawlenty ensures the GOP ticket will be able to walk all over this Obama/Biden ticket on issues of jobs and the economy.

Lastly, for those of you who don't know Governor Pawlenty, he is one of the most genuine, down-to-earth, normal people you could ever know. He grew up in a family with deep, deep blue collar roots and became governor of the state of Minnesota the old fashion way, he worked for it.
Biden is commonly known to be one of the more elitist and most arrogant members of the Senate.

When the two of them stand together in a Vice Presidential Debate, the contrast will not be more stark.

What a great opportunity for McCain.

Does VP T-Paw Put McCain Over the Top? (2.0)

2008-08-21T22:53:00.003-05:00

By all accounts, this presidential race appears to be heading towards a razer thin margin of victory, with the victor being totally up in the air.

Today, Barak Obama announced that he has made his decision on who he will choose as his Vice Presidential Runningmate.

So with Senator McCain making this race a virtual tie, how does he capitalize on this clear momentum and put himself over the top come November?

One clear way is to choose a runningmate of his own who will bring him a swing state (and better yet the swing region of Minnewisowa)

New polls and non-partisan analysis once again show that choosing Governor Pawlenty could put Senator McCain over the top in Minnesota, a state that hasn't voted Republican for President since 1972.

A Republican presidential candidate hasn't won in Minnesota since 1972. But Jacobs said the poll found McCain might be able to reverse that trend, if he selects Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty as his vice presidential running mate. One in four of the undecided voters and initial-Obama supporters said they'd back a McCain-Pawlenty ticket.

"We were quite impressed by the impact that Gov. Pawlenty has on McCain's chances," he said. "Our analysis suggests that the McCain ticket jumps by 13 points by adding Gov. Pawlenty to the ticket. That is quite an impact." (emphasis ours), excerpted from article, click here to read the article in its entirety.

Thirteen points is a dramatic jump.

Perhaps McCain gets 13 points because Governor Pawlenty delivers on all of the issues that rise to the top of well publicized public opinion polls.

Jobs -- Governor Pawlenty is the quintessential "Sam's Club Republican." He knows Republican ideas and republican values work because they defined his life and his deep blue collar roots.

Energy -- Governors from both parties look to Governor Pawlenty for guidance and leadership on the development of a balanced, domestic energy plan. The left has an approach, the right has an approach, and the country is crying out for a balanced approach; Governor Pawlenty's approach.

Taxes -- Governor Pawlenty solved the largest per capita deficit in the country without raising taxes. In Washington, as in Minnesota, Government doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Republicans and Democrats alike in Washington have an appetite for pork that has grown exponentially over the past few years. During those same years, Governor Pawlenty set records in Minnesota for vetoes (setting aside entirely the wasteful spending that didn't even make it close to his office out of fear of a veto).

The bottom line is that the issues of the day are the issues of Pawlenty.

To marry that with a critical geographic advantage for Senator McCain with Governor Pawlenty at his side makes it more and more likely that we will see Governor Pawlenty in Ohio for Senator McCain's Birthday.

Pawlenty Rocks National Press Club

2008-08-06T16:17:00.002-05:00

Governor Pawlenty spoke earlier today at the National Press Club, and clearly displayed for the nation why he is the future (and in many ways the here and now) of the Republican Party.

Pawlenty, seen by many as one of the top contenders to be Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) presidential running mate, said the Sam’s Club Republican represents a present-day analogue to the Reagan Democrat.
“Sam’s Club Republicans feel like they’ve been disenfranchised,” he said.
When asked what the Bush administration had done wrong, Pawlenty stressed that the party had gotten away from a focus on ideas, like the Contract with America.
“ 'Compassionate conservatism’ has to be about more than a label,” he said. “The idea factory has been less robust than it should have been.”
Specifically, Pawlenty emphasized a new approach to education. He said it is a “near-scandal” that higher education isn’t properly preparing students to be teachers, and he advocated online courses as the cost- and time-efficient education of the future. (Excerpt from article)

The biggest criticism of Governor Pawlenty's speech has been that Governor Pawlenty was complimentary about Obama's optimistic tone.

Which goes to the very point of this whole discussion about Governor Pawlenty, his vision, demeanor and leadership style, and exactly why the Grand Old Party has morphed so dramatically into the Party of Pawlenty.

Governor Pawlenty frequently talks about the "Sam's Club Republicans;" those disaffected blue collar, working class voters who share the values of the Republican Party (faith, family, freedom and the like) but have seen a GOP painted as the "Country Club Party."

I won't dwell on the glaringly obvious (that the Liberal Elite who make up the brunt of the Democratic Party are exactly who one would expect to see at the stereotypical Country Club, and exactly the type who wouldn't dare show themselves at a Sam's Club).

In a high-energy performance before the National Press Club in Washington today (Aug. 6), Gov. Tim Pawlenty humorously ducked The Question — his vice presidential ambitions — but otherwise spoke on Sam’s Club Republicans, a perceived thinness in Barack Obama, and numerous national issues.

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Republicans needed to do better in appealing to the young voters— the party needs a message and messengers, he said.

He spoke of a belated party focus on the environment, conservation and energy but one that’s emerging.

Republican leaders also need to show interest in international compassion — another focus of the young, Pawlenty opined.

But Pawlenty warned that the evangelical vote is one that Republicans should continue to seek. “It’s not a vote to be taken for granted,” he said.

Although the Associated Press in a story indicted that Pawlenty had offered positive comments about Obama — that people gravitate toward positive leaders — before the press club Pawlenty said he had mentioned McCain in the same sentence.

Pawlenty contrasted McCain and Obama by saying the former had a real life story while the latter had oratory.

“Not even a close call in my book,” Pawlenty said of the perceived difference. (Excerpted from article, click here to read article in its entirety)

If this was an audition, a call back is inevitable.

I think this was more likely the show, and we'll see encore after encore after encore from Governor Pawlenty.

Huckabee for Pawlenty

2008-07-29T14:58:00.002-05:00

Former Governor of Arkansas and recent Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee declared on Fox News Channel's Hannity and Colmes last night that if he had to pick Senator McCain's running make, "I'd go Pawlenty"

For someone who himself has consistently been rumored to be on the short list to say he thinks McCain should pick Governor Pawlenty is pretty incredible.

National Review: McCain to Pick Pawlenty

2008-07-28T19:42:00.002-05:00

"A source tells me that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is John McCain's choice, and that the announcement is coming very soon. But I checked with the American Legislative Exchange Council, who Pawlenty is scheduled to address Wednesday at 11:30. As far as they know, his speech is still on." Source: National Review Online, July 28, 2008

Click here for the complete post.

New Quinnipiac Poll, Enhancing Pawlenty VP Buzz?

2008-07-24T11:28:00.003-05:00

Is a new Quinnipiac Poll an indication of all of the Pawlenty VP Buzz?

If you live in Minnesota, you can't pick up a paper or turn on the radio and not hear about Governor Pawlenty being at the top of the top of Senator McCain's short list for VP.

A few weeks back we posted on some polling showing that Governor Pawlenty was best positioned to help McCain pick up Minnesota, a feat that hasn't been accomplished by a GOP Presidential Candidate since 1972.

Indulge me for a moment.

Let's set aside the following as givens:

Governor Pawlenty is a young, vibrant new voice for the GOP
Governor Pawlenty will excite and energize the Christian Conservative bas e.
Governor Pawlenty has reshaped Minnesota with fiscal restraint and the most taxpayer friendly administration in the history of Minnesota.
Governor Pawlenty with his "Sam's Club Republican" vision and his deep blue collar roots has an uncanny ability to talk to disaffected voters.
Governor Pawlenty has been a loyal McCain supporter during the most difficult times of the campaign.
Governor Pawlenty is an Outside-the-Beltway Reform minded Governor who would compliment Sen. McCain's "stand strong against the beltway, reform minded" senate Record.
Mary Pawlenty is awesome!

Let's set those aside as given, because they are.

With all of the growing buzz surrounding Governor Pawlenty, let's take a look at raw numbers.

Today, a Quinnipiac Poll was released that shows a dramatic closing of the gap between Obama and McCain. In fact, McCain is only down two points in Minnesota, and the polling continues to move in the right direction here and in surrounding states.

Everyone knows that Governor Pawlenty will be able to walk into states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio and look voters in the eye to talk about economics, jobs, health care and all of the pocket book issues that the GOP needs to win back in order to be successful this election.

Adding that to the increasing evidence that Senator McCain will have a legitimate shot at Minnesota (probably more likely than not now) with Pawlenty on the ticket, and it is no wonder Governor Pawlenty is the likely choice.

If Governor Pawlenty can bring to McCain more electoral votes, and a more personal story to disaffected blue collar voters and Christian Conservatives, the fact that he has been a loyal McCain supporter throughout will just be icing on the cake.

Pawlenty's "Very Big Place"

2008-06-21T11:27:00.004-05:00

Senator John McCain said the other day, "I believe that Governor Pawlenty is the next and new generation of leadership in Republican Party and America. . . "

We happen to agree. We even created a blog, this blog, to that effect to track the successes of our Great Governor, and his vision for the future of not just the GOP, but the State of Minnesota, and ultimately the future of the country.

And the more we read, the more we watch and monitor, the more clear it becomes just how instrumental Governor Pawlenty will be in in this future, and just how clearly he fits as the brand of the 21st Century Republican Party.

It is human nature to ask what this means for the "here and now" during the heat of a presidential race, and what it means for the "here and now" is clear:

Governor Pawlenty is the obvious and clear best choice to be the next Vice- President of the United States should Senator John McCain win this November.

Up From His Bootstraps

In a party long seen as controlled by affluent elites, Pawlenty's decidedly blue collar background puts an entirely different face on what it means to be a Republican.

McCain, left, on stage in Mankato, Minn., with Tim Pawlenty, center, during the latter's 2006 campaign for reelection. (AP File Photo)

Pawlenty grew up in the working class environs of South St. Paul. He was a teenager when he lost his mother. His father was a truck driver. He was the first member of his family to graduate from college. He still plays ice hockey whenever he can. He caught a 17" walleye on opening day of fishing season this spring. His most oft-quoted line by the national press is his vow to make the GOP the party of "Sam's Club not just the country club."

That "regular guy" profile appeals to a party that finds itself increasingly ceding the middle class vote to Democrats -- an untenable position if Republicans hope to retain the White House this year or take back control of the House and Senate anytime soon.
"To me, he epitomizes where the party needs to go in terms of its communication," said former White House political director Sara Taylor. "He is focused on how these Washington policies effect real people."

. . . . .

Bridging the Evangelical Gap

Play Video

VIDEO | PostTalk's Feb. interview with Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Watch Now.

It's no secret that evangelical Christian voters never really came around to McCain during the primary season. Any number of candidates made a pitch for their support, but it eventually coalesced behind former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee -- an evangelical in his own right. Even after it was abundantly clear that McCain would be the GOP nominee, evangelical voters stuck by Huckabee -- pushing him into the teens and even 20s in some states where he wasn't even running an active political operation.

The lack of intensity among one of the pillars of the Republican base should be concerning to all GOPers heading into the fall, especially given the huge amount of excitement Obama is generating among the Democratic base.

Pawlenty could well provide a solution to the gap between McCain and evangelical voters without alienating moderates and independents. (Huckabee would almost surely help McCain bridge the evangelical gap too but lacks the appeal to the ideological middle.) Vin Weber, a former Republican member of Congress from Minnesota and now a major player in Washington GOP politics, explains that while Pawlenty has close ties to the evangelical community in his state and nationally but is "not a guy who wears [religion] on his sleeve."

The connection to evangelicals is largely through Pawlenty's wife, Mary. She is a graduate of Bethel University in Minnesota, which describes itself as teaching a "distinctly evangelical Christian philosophy of education." Mary Pawlenty is also a longtime member of the Wooddale Church and is a close friend of the church's pastorLeith Anderson. (Make sure to check out this profile of Mary Pawlenty from Bethel's alumni magazine that was written in 2000.)

Anderson is a powerful force in the evangelical community, having served as the past and current president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

"If [Pawlenty] were chosen it would reverberate with the 30 million members of those churches almost instantaneously and very publicly," said Weber. (click here to read the article in its entirety)

And "The Fix" goes on to discuss his Boy Scout reputation, and the fact that he is decidedly "NOT WASHINGTON" at a time when virtually everyone, across the political spectrum is crying out for "not Washington."

But Governor Pawlenty's future as the face and leader of the Republican Party goes far beyond the here and now. Should Governor Pawlenty not be chosen as Senator McCain's running mate, his position as the new GOP wouldn't change at all.

As we've reported, Governor Pawlenty has set a record in Minnesota for his vetoes of pork barrel spending, and onerous tax hike schemes.

The GOP has, in many respect, lost its brand on the issue of spending leading up to, and during the exact time that Governor Pawlenty was balancing a record budget deficit in Minnesota without raising taxes, and while he was vetoing spending bills and tax increases to keep Minnesota and Minnesota's business climate competitive.

But he has maintained a strong, fiscally conservative, free-market record while still speaking through the prism of his deep blue collar roots. Lower taxes, less regulation, limited government and the like are necessarily, in my opinion, blue-collar, working class values. Yet the media tends to portray those values as the values of the rich (you know, the rich, like those "conservatives" George Soros, and the entirety of Hollywood.)

Governor Pawlenty's vision and the policies he has pushed have a populist appeal, but not the kind of faux-populism that comes from the pseudo-compassionate on the Left. He has lead with a real populism that comes with creating an environment where people from his neighborhood (and mine) really can succeed because of the liberties we enjoy.

And at the same time, Governor Pawlenty is able to lead as perhaps the "Perfect Evangelical" Republican Leader of our day.

In 2003, Pawlenty and Wooddale hosted about 1,600 evangelical leaders from around the country for a two-day convention of the National Association of Evangelicals. Pawlenty praised the work of President Bush and his faith-based initiatives, a program that funnels federal funds to religious charities. "If you're going to change destructive behavior, you've got to change hearts," said Pawlenty, according to the Star Tribune. "Governors can't do that. We hope you can do that in a God-honoring manner that meets the challenges of our day."

In 2004, the evangelical Twin Cities Festival drew around 80,000 people to the Minnesota Capitol grounds for a two-day faith event. Pawlenty offered a warm reception, and even held event-organizing meetings with Luis Palau, according to the Pioneer Press. Of the festival, Pawlenty said, "I'm proud to be associated with such an important faith event. Faith is an important glue that holds our state together." He added that he prayed "that God will bless this weekend and continue to bless this great state." Mary Pawlenty was a featured speaker at the festival.

Pawlenty has quietly but firmly put his evangelical beliefs to work in his political life as governor. In 2003, an inauguration ceremony was held at Wooddale just before his swearing in with Anderson saying a few words: "I believe the God of government has brought Tim Pawlenty to the governor's office in St. Paul for peace and good in the lives of all Minnesotans." He had a similar ceremony at Wooddale in January 2007 after winning reelection in 2006. (Click here to read article in its entirety)

So when Senator McCain tells audiences that Governor Pawlenty has a "very big place" in the future of the GOP and of the country (click here for audio) we know that the "very big place" he has is as one of, if not THE, key leaders, faces, and visionaries of our party for years to come.

Whether one is talking about faith, freedom, liberty, fiscal responsibility, blue-collar roots, loyalty, ethics or even raw electoral vote analysis, Governor Pawlenty, the package, is the best choice for Senator McCain leading into the remainder of this campaign cycle.

But without regard to his spot on this ticket, we are seeing more and more that there is agreement we have become the "Party of Pawlenty."

RIP Tim Russert

2008-06-13T16:08:00.001-05:00

One of the few truly excellent journalists, "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert has passed away from an apparent heart attack.

He will be sorely missed.

Does VP T-Paw Put McCain Over the Top?

2008-06-02T16:34:00.002-05:00

Minnesota, along with the Electoral Vote-rich MinneWisowa upper Midwest region, remain a key battle ground this presidential election cycle.

New polls just released indicate that Governor Pawlenty is best positioned, among the most often mentioned on the short list, to put McCain over the top in Minnesota. (Click here to read poll results)

And he is the ONLY potential VP tested who gets McCain outside of the margin of error in our state which has not gone Republican since 1972. This should raise eyebrows and get people excited throughout the McCain campaign structure. The election map this cycle is turning conventional wisdom on its head, and the prospect of McCain winning this region changes the dynamic even further.

There are a variety of reasons Pawlenty would make such a strong Vice-Presidential nominee aside from his ability to deliver this block of electoral votes. Many of these reasons shined through during the Governor's speech to the State Republican Convention last weekend in Rochester Minnesota.

Wearing his freshly risen national profile lightly, Gov. Tim Pawlenty strode onto the stage of the GOP state convention like the old friend you know who has suddenly become a superstar. In marked contrast to Friday's friction at the convention, Pawlenty offered weary delegates a message of hope and optimism on Saturday that carried echoes of a reverse-field Barack Obama.

"People need something future-leaning, forward, positive and hopeful," Pawlenty said. "That needs to be the tone and tenor of our party. ... People want to be part of something exciting, positive, meaningful."
The challenge, he said, will be in besting a party that can base its appeal on something for nothing.

"We have a higher burden because we're running against people giving away free stuff. You got a problem, we got a program. It's hard to compete against a competitor that gives away free stuff. You and I know it's not free." (Excerpted From Article)

Aside from being absolutely right on taxes, spending, communisms destructive nature, the size of government and a whole host of other reasons, Ronald Reagan was successful because people believed in him. He was an optimistic voice who articulated difficult issues in a positive, visionary tone. When Liberals offered "free stuff," Reagan reminded people that the "free stuff" is expensive, and more often than not makes the recipients of the "free stuff" un-free.

Governor Pawlenty has that quality, and his background and blue-collar roots give him a level of credibility on issues of the pocketbook and issues of the heart that the media tries to take away from most Conservatives.

We are in a place in history not all that unfamiliar. The Left in this country searches night and day to find a cloud in every silver lining. This is true whether we are discussing national security, the economy, or virtually any other important public policy issue of the day.

It is this eternal pessimism among the Left that allows Conservatives like Governor Pawlenty to break through the clutter and help ensure that the message of "free stuff" doesn't win the day.

So back to the polling.

Where people know Governor Pawlenty, they like him. Automatically.

It just so happens that one of the states in one of the regions that Senator McCain desperately needs to win, is a state in a region that already knows Governor Pawlenty.

And now the numbers show definitively that the electoral map shifts with Governor Pawlenty on the team.

Makes you wonder where else our Sam's Club Republican Governor might help McCain this November (Michigan? Ohio? Pennsylvania?). . .

One For the Record Books

2008-05-30T13:06:00.002-05:00

Governor Pawlenty has long been known (as a legislator and now Governor) as a strong voice for fiscal restraint and a champion for the taxpayer.

Going into the 2008 legislative session, things looked bleak for the Taxpayer. A veto-proof liberal majority in the Senate, and a nearly veto-proof liberal majority in the House required particularly strong leadership by Minnesota's Chief Executive Officer.

Over the last few days, Governor Pawlenty has broken the record for Gubernatorial Vetoes in Minnesota, striking down intrusive and abusive regulations, and reckless spending.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed a heavily debated mortgage foreclosure bill on Thursday, officially closing the 2008 legislative session with more vetoes in one year than any other governor since before World War II.

As he completed action on bills sent to him by the DFL-controlled Legislature, the Republican governor issued his 32nd, 33rd and 34th vetoes -- easily breaking the previous record of 29 set by Gov. Arne Carlson in 1993.

Pawlenty's veto total was the highest since 1939, when modern-day records started to be kept, officials said. He also signed several bills Thursday.

"The checks and balances that are part of our system led to a record number of vetoes this year," said Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung.

"The governor felt it was important to aggressively use his taxpayer protection pen to make sure government is held accountable and lives within its means," McClung added. (excerpted from article)

A couple of the items stricken by Governor Pawlenty in recent days deserve particular note, even though they may be obscure or esoteric.

First, the Governor vetoed a provision which would have been a massive bailout and obscuring of the free markets in the housing and mortgage sector. Laws permitted people to get into homes they otherwise wouldn't have been able to purchase IF the purchasers were willing to accept the risk of a ballooning interest rate if they weren't able to lock in.

One can be agnostic on the wisdom of allowing the risk averse to get into housing purchases that might be too. . . well. . . risky given their financial situation. But I think we can all agree that people going that route understood the risk (or clearly should have). Ronald Reagan once said Government isn't the solution, it is the problem (paraphrased). Much of the "housing crisis" is a result of silly Government Regulations, and as Governor Pawlenty wrote in his veto message, "If Minnesota creates a statutory right for individuals to remain in their homes beyond our already extensive foreclosure laws, mortgage providers will factor this additional business risk into mortgage agreements and Minnesota mortgages will be more expensive. This will negatively impact the credit market in Minnesota by increasing interest rates for Minnesotans who are trying to refinance or purchase a new home."

Our housing market in Minnesota is tenuous enough right now without the State of Minnesota making it all but impossible for people to purchase homes.

Second, the governor line-item vetoed $134,000 to implement the controversial "California Low Emissions Vehicle Standards" (CaLEV) which wasn't even adopted by the left-wing Legislature it was so controversial. Yet they still tried to fund it with our money. Thankfully Governor Pawlenty stopped this with the flick of his Bic.

For those of you who haven't followed this issue, our state actually considered turning over our vehicle emissions standards to an unelected California board known as the "California Air Resources Board" or CARB.

(You read that right. An unelected organization in the state of California would have been handed the right to decide how Minnesota's emissions standards evolve).

Some in the legislature were so excited to shirk their own duties as elected officials and hand over power to some faceless group who we can't even adequately appeal to, that despite the fact that a State Senate Committee said, "no-way," they almost funded the implementation anyway.

Thanks to Governor Pawlenty for standing strong against these silly regulations, and outrageous spending.

It is nice to see the Governor Pawlenty enter Minnesota's record books as the foremost advocate for the taxpayer by blocking these and other provisions.

Thanks Gov!

(click here for entire story)

Even Editorial Boards Laud Pawlenty's Spending Restraint

2008-04-09T12:10:00.003-05:00

If the editorial boards around the state are singing Governor Pawlenty's praises for being fiscally responsible, and pulling back the reigns on government spending, he must have really done something remarkable when he line-item vetoed a bunch of pork out of the legislature's bonding bill earlier this week.

We’re probably starting to sound like a broken record, but thank goodness for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Someone in state government has to be an adult and that responsibility has been taken up by the second-term Republican. This week, the governor vetoed about $200 million in borrowing projects lawmakers had approved. This still left more than $700 million in the state bonding bill, but the weeping and wailing among legislators began before the veto ink had even dried. (emphasis mine)

. . .

The most important fact in all of this is that it isn’t just political gamesmanship. There are real consequences to the state overextending itself, especially in times of economic difficulty. Prolonging that difficulty is one reality. Creating a state that is a burden to taxpayers, instead of their ally, is even worse. (excerpts from editorial, click here to read entire piece) (Fairmont Sentinel: "Pawlenty puts limits on spending")

Thank goodness for Governor Pawlenty! There are real consequences to the state overextending itself. Creating a state that is a burden to taxpayers instead of their ally, is even worse.

Well written.

That's why we can't help but agree with the spirit, if not the manner, of Pawlenty's action. Among many legislators, there seems to be an attitude that the bonding bill doesn't involve real money, that even in a time when belt-tightening is happening everywhere, this statewide "jobs program" should be as big as possible. "Share the wealth!" and "We want our fair share!" seem to be the rallying cries, as city and state officials keep score of who received how much and fight to be first in line for the next round of handouts.

Does the bonding bill fund important projects? Absolutely. Would we favor nixing the whole concept? Absolutely not.

But we're more convinced than ever that when things get tight, Minnesota shouldn't keep charging things on its credit card as if unemployment were low, the stock market was soaring and homes were selling in six days, not six months. (excerpted from editorial, click here to read entire piece). (Rochester Post-Bulletin: "Pawlenty's message 'Show restraint, or I'll do it for you'")

Saying 'enough is enough,' drawing a line in the sand, blocking and tackling, or whatever visual one wants to put forward to describe the kind of restraint and fiscal discipline we have seen from Governor Pawlenty, he is THE leader (not just in MN, but around the country) in pushing a fiscally conservative agenda that respects the taxpayer.

How novel.

Thanks Gov!

Great Job Governor Pawlenty

2008-04-08T09:46:00.001-05:00

Thank heavens for Governor Pawlenty. Once again, he has provided fiscal discipline when the DFL legislature was totally out of control. His actions to trim the bill from $925 million to $717 million show once again that he has his hand firmly on the reins of government. Great job Governor Pawlenty!

Click here to send an email to Governor Tim Pawlenty to thank him for his line-item vetoes.

Fiscal Sanity in St. Paul

2008-04-08T09:23:00.002-05:00

We've witnessed, in Minnesota, some of the most dramatic and remarkable legislative overreach in a generation this 2008 legislative session.

Today, Minnesotans are paying over $3.00/gal. for gas, and part because of the largest tax increase in Minnesota History.

Yesterday, Governor Pawlenty once again stepped up to the plate, wielding his veto pen, and brought a little fiscal restraint and financial responsibility to St. Paul by line-item vetoing $208 million from a bonding bill that exceeded what the governor said was acceptable in this economic climate.

ST. PAUL -- A sizable chunk of the Legislature's borrow-to-build plan fell victim to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's line-item veto Monday, including high-profile mass transit, zoo and museum projects.

Pawlenty shaved $208 million from a bill authorizing $925 million in general debt for construction projects around the state. He had warned lawmakers not to give him a bill that big, but he cut individual projects rather than blocking the whole bill.

"Somebody has to be fiscally responsible. That job falls to me," Pawlenty said. (excerpt from article)

I suppose the argument will be made that Minnesota will be a lesser state without the funding that was vetoed for the brass sheet music lending library in Chatfield, or gorilla cages at the Como Zoo, but I think we'll survive.

At least the rhetoric after the line-item vetoes has remained respectful, professional and rational. (sarcasm)

"I want to know why the governor hates the people of St. Paul," said Senator Ellen Anderson.

Of course, it was this sort of rhetoric that lead to a pork-laden bonding bill far exceeding what the governor told legislators (such as Senator Anderson) before they put the bill on his desk in the first place.

Rep. Paul Kohls put it as succinctly and respectfully as it has been stated when he said, "The governor makes a compelling case that we can't bust the credit-card limit."

(NOTE: Significant difference between this statement and saying the governor HATES all the citizens of an entire city)

The truth is, we are entering a time of economic uncertainty. The time for exercising fiscal restraint and keeping a lid on taxes is now. (It is always actually)

There is a strong argument to be made that the Government should always forgo the convenient because it has no role in anything but the essential (and often times not even there).

Certainly it is responsible to forgo the convenient in a time of economic uncertainty.

Can we wait a year or so before we add a music lending library to the State's credit card?

Will the state survive if we don't wait until 2009 or later to put put gorilla cage on Minnesota's credit card?

The taxpayers are lucky that Governor Pawlenty has taken such a bold leadership role this session.

His opponents in the legislature seem to believe money grows on trees (possibly the trees growing in the gorilla cages they want to fund).

But Governor Pawlenty has stood steadfast and strong for the taxpayer. (a sentence I could cut and paste into everything we write about him).

With Gov. Pawlenty, MN Could Go GOP in Nov?

2008-03-17T12:34:00.002-05:00

Chris Cillizza, author of the Washington Post's Blog "The Fix" has begun a series on states that may flip this November in the presidential race from the way they voted in 2004.

Of the current top ten, as Cillizza sees it, only two fall into the category of states that may go Republican even though they went Democrat in 2004. Minnesota is one of them, should Senator McCain have the foresight and wisdom to choose Governor Pawlenty as his running mate this fall.

The Fix’s Chris Cillizza announced on Friday that he’s going to begin dedicating his Friday Line to rating which states are most likely to flip from red to blue (or vice versa) in the presidential election. In last week’s Line, Cillizza offered his base-Line and predicted that eight of the 10 states most likely to flip were carried by George W. Bush.

9. Minnesota (Kerry 51%) – “If [Republican Gov. Tim] Pawlenty is picked [as McCain’s running mate], Minnesota is in play and could certainly move up the Line.” It’s no surprise the Republicans picked the Twin Cities for their Convention. (excerpted from Cillizza post. Click here to head post in its entirety)

John McCain has a lot of factors to consider when selecting his Vice Presidential running mate. He needs to consider geography (electoral college), loyalty, ideology and demographics. Cillizza is absolutely correct that choosing Pawlenty will help deliver Minnesota (he forgets in this post Iowa and Wisconsin).

We will continue to follow Cillizza and other analysts we Senator McCain moves through his decision making process.

Another Judicial Home Run

2008-03-17T09:53:00.002-05:00

As we've discussed before, Governor Pawlenty has worked diligently to right the ship of state here in Minnesota, seeking to fundamentally shift the public policy paradigm on issue after issue after issue.

He has moved, albeit slowly by necessity, some of the institutional red-tape within the bureaucracy. And despite the make up of the legislature, has tried to demand any legislation that crosses his desk have measurable benchmarks and legislative sunsets.

But nowhere will Governor Pawlenty have left a more positive mark on the state than in the way he has reshaped the judiciary.

Today, Governor Pawlenty appointed Eric Magnuson to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (replacing a very fine and honorable Chief Justice Russell Anderson who will be retiring in June).

Magnuson is a well respected attorney, always a student of the law and will be a Supreme Court Justice who respects the rule of law and the intent of the constitution. I have the highest level of confidence that we will not see Justice Magnuson attempting to legislate from the bench.

In appointing Magnuson, Governor Pawlenty said, "Eric is nationally recognized for his appellate advocacy and writing, and is consistently ranked among the top appellate attorneys by his peers. He has argued hundreds of cases to the state and federal appellate courts covering a wide range of issues over the course of his 30-year career. Eric has also taken on leadership positions in his law firms and in legal professional associations, which will serve him well as he assumes the leadership of state’s judicial system. He will be an outstanding Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court."

On the seven member Minnesota Supreme Court, a majority of four are Governor Pawlenty appointees. And of the four Governor Pawlenty appointees, 100% are rock-solid, with a tremendous amount of respect for their role as judges (as opposed to some sort of super-legislator in a black robe).

These appointments will have a lasting and real effect on the state of Minnesota for decades to come, and we all owe Governor Pawlenty a debt of gratitude for his backbone and tenacity on judicial appointments.

Love to See These News Reports

2008-03-16T21:18:00.002-05:00

The sun was shining today and it is looking more and more like Spring.

Today, the AP is reporting that Governor Pawlenty will announce tomorrow his choice to fill the outgoing Chief Justice Russel Anderson's spot on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Governor Pawlenty has been the most successful Governor in the history of Minnesota appointing rock-solid jurists with a penchant for actually respecting the rule of law and a strict construction of the state's constitution. This next appointment will mean that 4 of the 7 members of the current Supreme Court will have been chosen by Pawlenty.

Please check back to Party of Pawlenty with a full analysis of his announcement tomorrow.

Governor Pawlenty and the Supreme Court

2008-03-11T19:06:00.002-05:00

One of the unsung items of serious heroics during the Pawlenty tenure has been his tremendous success in appointing Judges and Justices with true respect for the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

In June, Chief Justice Russell Anderson will step down from the court giving Governor Pawlenty a majority of members on the court appointed by him during his time as Governor.

A quick side note on Chief Justice Anderson.

I've had the honor of knowing Chief Justice Anderson since I was very young. I attended grade school, high school and even college with his daughter. Chief Justice Anderson was gracious enough to swear me in to the state bar in his chamber after I was admitted. He is a class act, a cautious jurist, and wonderful person.

Now, Governor Pawlenty will have a chance to continue to make long-term, positive, institutional change in Minnesota by appointing yet another honest Justice who will not use the black robe as a tool to be a super-legislator. Governor Pawlenty has consistently appointed well respected jurists who are committed to respecting the law, and respecting his or her role as an umpire calling balls and strikes rather than a batter stepping up to the plate.

The departure means Pawlenty will have named a majority of justices over his five years in office.

Pawlenty previously named G. Barry Anderson, Lorie Gildea and Christopher Dietzen to the Supreme Court.

Dietzen was selected in November for the most recent high court vacancy. Pawlenty has used a more insular selection process for the Supreme Court than he has for lower court appointments.

"We've been through several Appeals Court and Supreme Court appointments recently, so we're familiar with the talent pool," Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung said. "The governor will make his decision based on that and other information." (Excerpted from Article. Click here to read article in its entirety).

I wish Chief Justice Anderson well in his retirement. He has been the consummate public servant, an honorable Chief Justice and a wonderful guy.

Governor Pawlenty will undoubtedly choose yet another strong voice for judicial respect and restraint.

I know this to be true because he has been in office since 2003 and has never missed on this issue. Not once.

Fiscal Restraint and Economic Stimulus

2008-03-10T08:46:00.002-05:00

Is it such a novel idea that Minnesota's $1 billion projected budget deficit should be solved by spending less and stimulating our economy by confiscating fewer of Minnesota family's hard earned dollars in taxes?

Just a week after Democrats in the State Legislature voted to impose on the people of Minnesota the largest tax increase in Minnesota history, we now find ourselves with a $1 billion deficit. (oh, and not to stray too far away, after this massive Democrat gas tax increase gas prices are up 9 cents per gallon from just two weeks ago).

There will be calls (mark my words) to increase taxes further while we increase more and more taxes on the people of Minnesota in order to solve this budget shortfall.

This, obviously, would be a huge mistake. Why would the state of Minnesota stick it further to the taxpayers, and think that revenues will increase to cover ever increasing spending?

Governor Pawlenty has a different approach.

Governor Pawlenty is asking the state legislature to start thinking about Minnesota families. He is asking the Government to exercise spending restraint, and asking the legislature to pass legislation taking fewer dollars on purchases from Minnesota families through an actual, real cut in the state's sales tax.

Staring down a nearly $1 billion projected deficit, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Friday that the state must scale back health care and higher ed spending, dip into reserves and, in a surprise move, cut the state sales tax.

Pawlenty rebuked the DFL-controlled Legislature for overriding his veto of gasoline and metro sales tax increases, and said lowering the state sales tax by one-eighth of 1 percent would partly neutralize those increases.

The cut, he said, could also serve as "a modest stimulus" to the economy.

"The Minnesota economy is under great strain," Pawlenty said, noting that the housing collapse, credit crisis, skyrocketing oil prices, a grinding war and global economic changes have all taken their toll and may do so for years.

"It's important to recognize that the country and Minnesota face great challenges," he said.

Pawlenty's recommendations for the rest of the current two-year budget period would reduce the growth in state spending by $341 million. (Excerpted from article. Click here to read the entire article).

It is too easy for the Government, when faced with a shortfall in the Government's budget, to simply take more and more from families while it keeps spending and spending.

After all, it isn't their money. It doesn't come out of their pocket. Until we get to a 100% tax burden, there is a huge pot of money just sitting there for these legislators to fill Government spending gaps.

Right?

In the real world, it doesn't work that way, and there are unintended consequences to burdensome taxation and wasteful Government spending.

Like deficits. (yeah, the type like we are facing now).

Until Governor Pawlenty has a more family friendly legislature, he is going to take his case for fiscal restraint and economic stimulus right to the citizens of Minnesota.

In fact, his campaign committee is advertising right now to make sure the people know what is happening to their family budget every day in St. Paul.

Click here to listen to Governor Pawlenty making the case to Minnesota citizens.

From The Star Tribune: "Pawlenty Said That Tax Increases Were A Non-Starter"

2008-02-29T21:47:00.000-06:00

"As he has in the past, Pawlenty said that tax increases were a non-starter. 'I will not be supporting a tax increase to get revenue into the system,' he said." Source: Star Tribune, February 29, 2008

Click here for the complete story.

###

While Governor Pawlenty rules out tax increases to solve the budget deficit, DFL legislative leaders refuse to rule out tax increases.

Pawlenty Calls for Overhaul of Tax Code

2008-02-29T14:53:00.003-06:00

This is great.

In the aftermath of the passage of the biggest tax increase in Minnesota history (over his veto), Governor Pawlenty is calling for fundamental change in the way we collect taxes in the state of Minnesota.

All too often, our tax and spending priorities are completely backwards.

We tax productivity to spend on idleness.
We avoid user fees for non-essential government services, and increase taxes to spend on services the taxpayers will never use.
We say we can't afford to do the things Government is supposed to do, and turn around and spend millions on a host of programs Government should never touch.
We concoct and convolute spending formulas that are constantly amended and virtually never evaluated.

What a breath of fresh air that Governor Pawlenty is going to address this.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is creating a tax reform commission that will aim to update the state's tax code.

In a statement, Pawlenty called the current system of taxation outdated and said reworking it would improve Minnesota's competitive position with other states and countries.

In his executive order on Friday, Pawlenty mandated the commission and called for changes to the tax code that will promote long-term economic prosperity. (Click on Excerpt to see article in its entirety)

Minnesota is one of the highest taxed states in the country, and Minnesotans generally have become quite adverse to the overly burdensome and questionably effective tax and spend policies of our government.

I contend that if the GOP brand hadn't been tainted in DC by excessive spending and scandal over the past few years, the GOP in Minnesota would be dominating elections in large part because of the punitive taxation and escalating and esoteric (and not in a good way) spending by state government here.

Governor Pawlenty has taken on this problem step by step in a very prudent way. He solved the largest per capita budget deficit in the nation a few years back without raising taxes. He has wielded his veto pen like Lancelot.

And now he is going to take a major overhaul of the whole code right to the people (the people who reelected him in the worst Republican year in a generation).

Thanks Governor for your vision and foresight!

AP: "Governor lashes back; says override will spark 'tax revolt'"

2008-02-26T21:45:00.001-06:00

"Pawlenty sternly rebuked lawmakers who voted to override his veto of a bill raising the gas tax, local sales taxes and vehicle registration fees to pay for $6.6 billion in transportation projects. Eight Republicans in the Legislature joined every Democrat in supporting the first successful override attempt during Pawlenty's tenure.

'You can mark the calendar, yesterday will be the day that began a tax revolt in Minnesota,' Pawlenty said. The bill, he added, 'took a bucket of tax increases and dumped it on the head of Minnesotans.'

He predicted the bill will haunt DFL House members campaigning for re-election this fall.'" Source: Associated Press, February 26, 2008

Click here for the complete story.

Statement from Governor Pawlenty Regarding DFL Override

2008-02-25T20:04:00.000-06:00

Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the override of the Governor’s veto of an approximately $7 billion tax increase, including a gas tax increase, license tab tax increase, sales tax increase, car rental tax increase and a new excise tax on vehicle purchases.

"The DFL-controlled legislature's override of this veto shows they're clearly out-of-touch with Minnesotans who are facing rising gas prices, heating costs and other expenses in tough economic times. Raising taxes is always the DFL’s go-to solution and that's bad for Minnesota’s families and our economy.

"While the federal government is issuing tax rebate checks, Democrats in Minnesota have decided to burden our families with hundreds of dollars a year in new taxes to pay for a massive $7 billion tax increase."

Legislators On the Floor Now to Increase Taxes over Governor Pawlenty's Veto

2008-02-25T13:18:00.002-06:00

Governor Pawlenty, who normally skates out when playing hockey, has found himself playing goalie in recent times against massive tax increases.

As I type this, the state legislature is in the process of trying to remove our goalie for the taxpayer. They are working today to override Governor Pawlenty's veto of this huge tax hike.

Governor Pawlenty has made it abundantly clear that he opposes the override of his veto.

Stay tuned as the debate takes shape over the next hour or so.

The Line: Let's Get Serious About VeepStakes!

2008-02-22T17:58:00.002-06:00

Chris Cillizza over at "The Fix" (The Washington Post Political Blog) has an interesting piece on the VeepStakes.

Just as everyone who is looking at McCain's options with any credibility has done, he places Governor Pawlenty high on the list of prospects.

* Tim Pawlenty: The two-term Minnesota governor has to be considered the frontrunner at the moment to be McCain's pick. He hails from the electorally important Midwest, is young enough to balance concerns about McCain's age, and he stuck by the Arizona senator in the darkest days of the campaign. The criticism that Pawlenty is an unknown on the national stage may, in fact, be an argument in his favor -- voters won't bring any preconceived notions about him to the ticket. Never forget that one of the guiding principles in picking a VP is to find someone who is comfortable being seen but not heard. Want more about the man they call "Tpaw"? Make sure to read Jonathan Martin's profile of the man.

(Click here for the entire post)

Pawlenty Orders State Hiring Freeze

2008-02-20T14:23:00.001-06:00

"With darkness gathering on the fiscal horizon, Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Tuesday imposed an immediate hiring freeze across state government that could leave all but the most critical unfilled positions vacant.

In the few cases where vacant positions are filled, Pawlenty said in a letter on Tuesday, 'every hiring decision must be overseen ... and the reasons for filling the position must be submitted in writing to the Commissioner of Employee Relations.'

There were no immediate estimates on the savings such a move could yield, but state officials know they must prepare for an economic outlook that is increasingly dire.

The state's $373 million projected deficit is expected to grow substantially when the state's economic forecast is released next week. In addition, unemployment rates are on the rise and income growth has slowed. The imminent prospect of a merger between Northwest Airlines, one of the state's largest employers, and rival Delta Airlines has added to the financial turmoil." Source: Star Tribune, February 20, 2008

Click here for the complete story.

###

"'This is one way that state government can do its share as we deal with a budget deficit,' said Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung. 'We know the deficit is expected to grow and state government has to live within its means.'" Source: Star Tribune, February 20, 2008

Click here for the complete story.

Bloggosphere Abuzz With Pawlenty for Veep Talk

2008-02-17T21:55:00.002-06:00

The term "conventional wisdom" may be just a bit premature with reference to the idea that Senator McCain should choose Governor Pawlenty as his Vice-Presidential running mate, but the bloggosphere and even the mainstream media is certainly abuzz with discussion of all the reasons it is the perfect fit (oddly enough, many pundits and analysts seem to agree with our T-Paw Top Ten)

Aside from a healthy discussion of this topic on today's "Meet the Press" here is a small sample of some of the discussion from around the bloggosphere.

Steadfast McCain ally sparks veep talk (Jonathan Martin, Politico)

Even through the McCain campaign’s darkest days in 2007, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty remained a steadfast ally to the Arizona senator in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
Vin Weber, a Minnesota congressman-turned-Washington-lobbyist who is one of Pawlenty’s biggest boosters, ticks off the list of appealing traits.

“First of all, his age is attractive,” Weber says, hinting at the nearly quarter-century difference between his fellow Minnesotan and the 71-year-old McCain. “Second, he’s from outside Washington. Third, he represents a battleground part of the country. And he has a nice balance of, on one hand being totally acceptable to the conservative wing of the party, especially to social conservatives, but at the same time sharing a couple of key maverick strains of thought with McCain.”

Weber isn't Pawlenty's only Washington admirer. Sara Taylor, former White House political director and a veteran of both Bush-Cheney campaigns, contacted this reporter to offer unsolicited observations on the governor.

Declining to say how she got wind of the story, Taylor lavished praise on Pawlenty. "By far, he's the strongest candidate" to serve as McCain's running mate, she said.

"He's a conservative, rock-n-roll Republican and is counterintuitive to the party stereotype that we're old and rich,” says Taylor, who recalled visiting St. Paul and finding the governor jamming in his office to recording artist Bruce Springsteen. “He's young and blue-collar."

And, Taylor said, in a potential race against the 46-year-old Barack Obama, Pawlenty would be "as good as our party has for that [matchup]."

There is another key factor working in Pawlenty’s favor. Unlike Weber, until last week a top policy adviser to Mitt Romney, the governor was an early and active McCain supporter, helping to lobby fellow governors as early as December 2006, and he stayed loyal through the unpleasantness last year.

“He stuck with us through thin,” says senior McCain adviser Charlie Black. “He went anywhere we asked and did anything we asked him to do.

“He is a rising star in the party,” adds Black. (Excerpts from article. Click here to read in its entirety).

Governor Tim Pawlenty- The Right man for VP

Many news sources are reporting that Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota is near the top of most of Senator John McCain’s lists for Vice President of the United States. I am one person who thinks that he should be at the very top of all
of those lists.

I became a fan of Governor Pawlenty last year when I had the opportunity to see him speak at CPAC. At that time I did not know much about him other than he was the Republican Governor of Minnesota and a steadfast supporter of my candidate for President Senator John McCain. I was impressed by his articulate speech and ideas for the Republican party.

After coming home from the convention I took the time to look into Pawlenty’s past and learned that he came from a working class background and was the first in his family to go to college. Pawlenty did not rely on anyone but himself to make himself someone, which is one of things I think is a fundemental Republican principle. When many people think of Republicans they think of country club rich people, but that mold most certainly does not fit Pawlenty who still from time to time plays pick up ice hockey.
So Pawlenty is young, smart, energetic, charasmatic, and conservative. It is for these and many more reasons that I hope that Senator John McCain chooses Governor Tim Pawlenty to be his running mate in this crucial election. I urge my fellow Republicans to do some research on Governor Pawlenty and i believe as well you will become a supporter of his too. (Excerpts from Article. Click here to read in its entirety).

And there is so much more.

We'll continue to track this developing story of bloggers and Conservatives all across the country beginning to advocate form Governor Pawlenty to be chosen as Senator McCain's running mate this fall.

T-Paw Top Ten

2008-02-14T09:25:00.002-06:00

Obviously there has been a lot of buzz all across the country about Governor Pawlenty being chosen as Senator McCain's Vice Presidential running mate. It is becoming widely recognized that he is the natural choice (and in fact, would have been for a few of the candidates before McCain became the presumptive nominee).

I'm no David Letterman, and in fact none of these are even vaguely funny, but I thought it would be good for our readers to see a top ten list of reasons why Senator McCain should (and I believe must) choose Governor Pawlenty has his running mate.

T-Paw Top Ten

Fiscal Conservative Leader – During the last few years when many have felt the GOP has lost its way on spending and fiscal discipline, Governor Pawlenty solved an historic budget deficit (the largest per capita in the country) without raising taxes. (while keeping a lid on spending too!)

Unabashed Social Conservative – Governor Pawlenty signed into law three of the most important pieces of pro-life legislation in a generation, stood steadfast in support of the marriage amendment, and has dramatically reshaped the Minnesota Supreme Court; appointing Conservative Justices who strictly interpret the Constitution rather than making law from the bench.

Minnewissawa Votes and Media – Not only will Governor Pawlenty be an effective advocate in the key swing region of the upper Midwest, but he has already run and won statewide twice in a media market that covers significant portions of Iowa and Wisconsin (along with Minnesota). If the GOP needs to pick a southerner just to win the south this election, we’ve already lost. (Click Here)

Young and Energetic Voice – Governor Pawlenty is a 47 year old hockey playing, marathon running, roller blader who is known for being a tireless campaigner and more importantly a tireless public servant. (Seriously, his young staff can’t keep up).

Attractive to the Conservative Base – Governor Pawlenty can effectively rally the Christian Conservative part of the GOP base as an Evangelical Christian who attends one of Minnesota’s largest Mega-Churches where his pastor is the President of the National Association of Evangelicals.

“Sams Club Republican” – Governor Pawlenty, the son of a truck driver in a blue collar neighborhood, can take our economically conservative message directly to the economically disadvantaged and downtrodden with credibility and persuasiveness (he’s done exactly that time and time again). He is the first member of his family to graduate from college and remains closely connected to his blue collar roots.

Loyal Team Player – Governor Pawlenty was a McCain supporter when it was hard, and not necessarily cool to be a McCain supporter. We don’t need a fair-weather friend campaigning as McCain’s running mate. Governor Pawlenty is a friend and a believer in the leadership of Senator McCain.

Executive Leadership – Governor Pawlenty is a Conservative outside-the-beltway maverick executive who is a perfect compliment for an inside-the-beltway maverick leader. He can help fix Washington!

Straight Talk with a Smile – Governor Pawlenty is known in Minnesota as an exceedingly honest, boy scout-like public servant. He tells it like it is, and whether you agree or disagree with him, you end up liking him and believing he is doing what he believes to be right.

Mrs. Pawlenty – And of course we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out his amazing wife (his Red Hot Smokin’ Wife as the Governor likes to say) who is an articulate former Judge currently sitting on the board of a conservative Christian college. Mary Pawlenty is a great asset on the campaign trail!

Check back often to "Party of Pawlenty" as we track the legislative session and the Vice-Presidential selection process.

State Of The State: Pawlenty’s Veto Pen Is Inked Up And Ready

2008-02-13T12:39:00.001-06:00

During his 2008 State of the State Address delivered today in St. Cloud, Governor Tim Pawlenty had a clear message for DFL legislators: don't even think about raising taxes on Minnesota families and businesses. It's clear that the Governor is fired up and ready to fight for taxpayers. The only surprising thing is the DFL's extraordinary desire to hit Minnesotans with a number of tax increases — gas tax, license tab tax, sales tax, income tax, etc. — when citizens are already facing $3 a gallon gas and other burdens.

I encourage all of the dedicated readers of Minnesota Democrats Exposed and Party of Pawlenty who support the Governor's tough stand against tax increases to email him today at tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us and thank him for protecting Minnesota taxpayers…and email your state legislators and ask them not to attach the "jumper cables to your wallet."

Here are some excerpts from the Governor's State of the State Address today:

"As we tackle the deficit, we must remember that Minnesota'shardworking families are already squeezed enough. They're paying morefor gas, food, and health care. The last thing they need is government rummaging around in their pockets looking for more. Government must learn to live within its means. We should not add to the burden on Minnesota families by raising their taxes."

"The well-being of the people we serve depends on their ability to have good-paying jobs. That, in turn, depends upon the willingness ofcompanies to invest, stay, and grow in Minnesota. However, Minnesota's tax policies, job climate, and large government discourage economic growth. We need to reduce taxes and regulations thatdiscourage job growth, income generation, investment, entrepreneurialactivity, research, and exports."

"I still have an important tool to restrain taxes and spending. I call it the taxpayer protection pen, otherwise known as the veto pen. As you know, I will not hesitate to use it to stop government fromdigging into your wallets."

"We should also protect homeowners from unreasonable property tax increases. So once again, I call for Minnesota to join the many states that have capped property taxes."

MN GOP Press Release: “Republican Party Of Minnesota Commends Governor Pawlenty’s State Of The State Address”

2008-02-13T12:17:00.002-06:00

St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today issued the following statement regarding Governor Pawlenty's State of the State address.

"I commend Governor Pawlenty for his strong opposition to Democrat tax increases on Minnesota families and businesses. At a time when many Minnesotans are being squeezed, the last thing we need are more Democrat tax hikes. By making government live within its means, Governor Pawlenty continues to hold government accountable for results."

Governor Pawlenty to Deliver "State of the State"

2008-02-13T10:21:00.002-06:00

Governor Pawlenty will deliver the annual State of the State Address from St. Cloud this morning.

As the gavel fell this week to begin the session, a flurry of tax hikes and regulations seem to define the road ahead from the legislative body. I will be watching for how Governor Pawlenty addresses these and other issues when he steps up to the mic in St. Cloud.

Here are all of the details of the address. You can watch the speech live via Webcast by clicking on the link towards the bottom of this post.

Feb. 13. 11 a.m. STATE OF THE STATE _ Gov. Tim Pawlenty delivers State of the State address. Media should RSVP to obtain credentials by 5 p.m. Feb. 5

Location: St. Cloud Civic Center, 10 S. Fourth Ave., St. Cloud

Contacts: Alex Carey, (651) XXX-XXXX

Click here for State of the State live webcast, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 11:00 a.m.

Click Here for Replay of the Speech

Pawlenty Shows Leadership on Illegal Immigration

2008-01-07T23:03:00.000-06:00

As most Minnesotans know (for our readers across the country, indulge me) a good barometer of strong, common sense public policy is when it is soundly criticized by Star Tribune's anti-intellectual "journalist" Nick Coleman.

Today, Nick levels some heavy criticism against Governor Pawlenty for taking a strong stand against Illegal Immigration today.

Ergo, Governor Pawlenty got it exactly right.

Well, I suppose it isn't enough to judge what is right and correct based solely on finding out how Nick Coleman sees things and choose the opposite. But it is a pretty good gauge.

The point is that Governor Pawlenty stood before the people of Minnesota today and laid out a common sense plan to manage the current and growing problem of Illegal Immigration in Minnesota (hopefully using his mega phone as the chairman of the National Governor's Association to take his plans nationwide).

Before I go through the specific proposal, let me first highlight a word that is often lost in this debate among some (read: Nick Coleman).

That word is "Illegal."

il·le·gal [i-lee-guhl] Pronunciation Key –adjective

1.	forbidden by law or statute.

2.	contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.: The referee ruled that it was an illegal forward pass.

One would assume that a clear understanding of the essence of the word would lead towards general and widespread opposition to "Illegal Immigration." But alas, that isn't the case.

Not one proposal established by Governor Pawlenty today targets lawful immigration. I can't speak for the Governor, but I know him to have a good heart, and I am pretty sure he has an unparalleled level of compassion and respect for good people from other parts of our small world who seek to immigrate to the United States respecting the laws governing that process.

If the very first act upon arriving to our open and welcoming country is to break the very laws designed to welcome them, what can we expect of their time here thereafter? Perhaps it isn't a perfect gauge of future behavior, but it should certainly give us pause.

So Governor Pawlenty has developed a handful of common sense proposals to help deal with this issue:

Forbidding city policies that restrict local law enforcement from asking about immigration status as part of routine business. Minneapolis and St. Paul currently have such policies. Barring such a prohibition, Pawlenty wants to reduce the state aid to cities with such policies.

Fining employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Increasing the penalties for identity theft and use of fraudulent documents.

Expanding the definition of human trafficking.

Pawlenty also announced today that he used his gubernatorial power to:

Require the state to check the immigration status of all new employees using the federal e-verify system, an electronic system designed by the federal government to help employers easily check a potential employees' immigration status.

Strengthen the partnership between state law enforcement and corrections officials and federal immigration officials.

Pawlenty said the steps are necessary to respond to illegal immigration.

"If you have a country that's based on the rule of law and the rule of law gets knowingly cast aside and we allow illegal behavior to continue then the rule of law is diminished and one of the cornerstones of our country gets eroded in a pretty pronounced way," he said.
"These are the types of steps we believe that Republicans, Democrats and a broad cross section of Minnesotans can agree are reasonable steps towards better enforcement of illegal immigration and our country and our state need that," he said.

(Excerpted from Article)

Much of this was bold, executive orders, but much of the rest requires legislative action.

When the legislature gavels down in February, perhaps they will have the foresight and wisdom to follow the Governor's lead on this issue.

Serious Private Compassion

2007-12-19T17:32:00.000-06:00

I love this time of year.

We are reminded of the importance of family and friends. And we are reminded of what it means to be truly compassionate. And all because of the celebration of the birth of Christ.

That is why this article is so heartening during this Christmas season. (click here)

A plan to end chronic homelessness in Minnesota by 2010 got a boost today when a coalition of business, non-profit and religious leaders announced a commitment to raise $60 million in private donations over the next three years and to coordinate public and private efforts through a new umbrella organization, HeadingHome Minnesota.
"The announcement today is a going to be a huge piece of really turbo-charging that effort," Gov. Tim Pawlenty said at a news conference at the Camden Apartments, a housing program for homeless families in North Minneapolis. (emphasis mine).

The worries, of course, are either 1) that the Government will screw this up by interfering too much in what private groups are participating in, 2) that some Leftist will file a lawsuit to prevent the religious organizations from playing a role.

True compassion comes from the heart and soul, not from the state. In fact, Government would be best served staying out of the compassion business because business, places of worship, non-profits and neighbors do a far better job of lifting the human spirit while lifting the economically depressed. In this case, the announcement today by Governor Pawlenty is truly meaningful for the goals we all have of seeing an end to chronic homelessness.

HeadingHome will stress three strategies to end homelessness, said Jim Frey, president of the Frey Foundation and the other co-chair of the new organization.
Participating groups will provide emergency assistance to people who need help to pay for housing, Frey said.
They will offer services to address the underlying causes of homelessness, he said. Those services include mental health counseling, job training and childcare.
And they will reach out to homeless youth and adults on the streets to provide the help they need to get into housing, he said.
"One of the great beauties of this plan," Pawlenty said, "is that, while it is a moon-shot plan, it gets everybody coordinated toward the same goal with a common set of objectives and tactics."

What a great story of serious private compassion as many of us prepare for the Christmas season.

Pawlenty Hits Judicial Appointments Out of the Park

2007-11-27T22:32:00.000-06:00

This afternoon, Governor Pawlenty filled a number of judicial appointments, including a very important Supreme Court position which will be vacant beginning January 1st of 2008.

Conservatives, Republicans, Minnesotans, Americans and even Liberals who respect the judiciary should be absolutely proud of these recent appointments, and what they mean for the future of the judiciary and jurisprudence in Minnesota.

I'd like to touch on just two of them.

First, Governor Pawlenty appointed long-serving State Senator Tom Neuville as a Rice County District Court Judge. I first met Senator Neuville while in high school, once when I had an opportunity (thanks to Senator Roger Moe actually) to address the Senate Education Committee, and once down in his hometown of Northfield when I attended American Legion's Boy's state. I got to know him my freshman year of college at St. Olaf, part of the area he has admirably represented in the State Senate.

Judge Neuville is conscientious, brilliant and conservative. He is also a person of impeccable integrity who we can all be confident will administer justice without fear or favor.

Governor Pawlenty also appointed appeals court Judge Christopher Dietzen to replace the Honorable Sam Hanson on the State Supreme Court. Justice Dietzen is a class act, has been a brilliant private practice attorney and has served with absolute distinction on the court of appeals since December of 2004. Justice Dietzen will join a court growing more and more restrained and intellectually honest after a handful of truly egregious, and intellectually void decisions over the years. Justice Dietzen will serve along side model justices such as Barry Anderson and Lorie Gildea. He will stand with integrity and a humble nature along with Chief Justice Russell Anderson (a former Judge in Crookston, and a St. Olaf Grad himself).

I cannot express how exciting today's announcements are, especially in light of a judiciary that is often unrestrained and all too often political. Nobody can make those claims about this set of appointments. Governor Pawlenty continues to impress as he leaves his mark on the judiciary. His influence and his integrity will have a lasting effect long past his Gubernatorial tenure.

Governor Pawlenty to Name New Supreme Court Justice

2007-11-27T12:31:00.000-06:00

It is being reported that Governor Pawlenty will name a replacement today for Justice Sam Hanson who will be retiring from the Minnesota Supreme Court effective January 1st, 2008.

Check back later today for analysis on the Governor's pick.

From One of Our National Correspondents?

2007-10-09T21:03:00.000-05:00

One of the most prominent Conservative New Hampshire Political Bloggers at a site called GreenMountainPolitics (click here), posted a piece today entitled, "What The Republican Party Can Learn From Tim Pawlenty"

Here are a few of the best excerpted portions from this piece.

This post is about Governor Pawlenty.

And his terrific "Road-Map Out Of The GOP Message Wilderness" stump speech (our words not his) that he delivered in Fairlee, Vermont last night to New Hampshire and Vermont GOP activists.

But then the Governor moved into the actual meat of his speech. And he stopped sounding like "a lot of politicians".

He began by talking about the massive economic, cultural and technological changes currently sweeping across the globe. He told the audience that "massive change" is both "a little bit scary" and "exciting" at the same time.

Then he told the audience that Americans in general, and the Republican Party in particular, needs to "hold on to what makes us great" while at the same time being flexible enough to "take advantage of new opportunities".

"So what's something that makes us great?" Governor Pawlenty asked the Republican crowd. "We are the Party of fiscal discipline!" he answered himself.

The Governor then proceeded to sort out his 55 vetoes as Governor of Minnesota, including his vetoes of most of Minnesota's major omnibus bills.

Heads started bobbing up and down in the room.

"But the Republican Party needs to have a broader vision than just being accountants for the Democrats," Governor Pawlenty explained.

Our heart fluttered. More than a little bit. (emphasis mine)

The good Governor then launched into a 20 minute discussion on education reform, health care reform and energy reform.

Our favorite quote, on the need for energy reform, "70% of our oil comes from foreign sources and it hooks us to people and places that we shouldn't be hooked to. It is a national security imperative that we move our country away from oil. The public is way ahead of the politicians on this issue."

By God! A Republican who is clearly unwilling to cede the energy issue to the Democrats? Incredible!

And the Republican Party should watch the good Governor closely and learn a thing or two about updating (creating?) their broader message for 2008. And beyond. (emphasis mine)

We're just saying.

Well. . . Hmmmmmm. . . How should we read this Northeasterner's post?

First of all, he is right. We've written about this from the beginning. It is refreshing to have a leader like governor Pawlenty unwilling to cede any issue to the Democrats in this country. Conservatives have answers to health care, education and the environment just like we have answers on taxes, the economy, defense and crime. And on each and everyone of these issues, Governor Pawlenty is leading the way.

Second of all. . . well. . . he is right. Our party should really watch Governor Pawlenty in 2008 and beyond to learn a thing about updating and creating our message.

It is almost as though our new friends at GreenMountainPolitics believe the GOP has become the "Party of Pawlenty."

Pass it on.

Muddy waters

2007-10-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

Right on cue, no sooner had the Minnesota Poll revealed that a majority of Minnesotans opposed raising the gas tax than liberals stated that the reason for the lack of support is that taxpayers are simply too dumb to support the liberal position. Whenever polls show a lack of support for their policies, liberals reflexively reason that people don’t agree with them simply because they’re stupid.

The following except appeared in an article by Pat Doyle in the Sunday Star Tribune:

Some who have followed the issue over the years were surprised that more people didn’t support a gas tax hike in the aftermath of the disaster.

“I would have thought the bridge collapsing might have been a pretty good indicator that something needed to happen, but it’s still muddy waters,” said Lee Munnich, who specializes in transportation policy at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

He said politicians supporting a hike have not made a persuasive case that routine but critical maintenance needs more money and the federal government won’t provide enough of it.

While I shall pass over Munnich’s unfortunate reference to “muddy waters” subsequent to the bridge collapse, he needs to refer back to the poll results. There is absolutely nothing “muddy” about these numbers. Contrary to what the Democrats believed, taxpayers aren’t willing to write the tax-and-spenders a blank check because a bridge collapsed. DFLers believed that they had the perfect issue to force a tax increase and were salivating at what they believed was slam-dunk opportunity.

If the poll results had been reversed, Democrats would be trumpeting the results as proof that Minnesotans are firmly behind a gas tax increase. They would be scampering about demanding action in light of what would be described as overwhelming support for the tax hike. However, since the poll results are not in line with liberal plans, they are “muddy” and “surprising.”

The other obvious and more important point in the article is how it exposes the liberal belief that people don’t agree with them simply because the explanation was inadequate. In other words, were taxpayers more fully informed, they would obviously support raising taxes. It’s not a matter of genuine philosophical differences; it’s that a more “persuasive case” must be made. (Leftists “making a more persuasive case” is the type of ominous euphemism that one can easily imagine the Gestapo employing.)

The best line of the article was quoting Robert O’Byrne of rural Rochester who stated, “I think for every dollar you pay in taxes you get back about ten cents in value.”

This wisdom is contrasted with a statement that will certainly be a contender for the Stupidest Logic of the Week Award in which 82-year old poll respondent Ralph Belin stated that he favors a gas tax increase because, “I don’t think people in our state are that bad off, they can afford a nickel a gallon.” Brilliant. Just brilliant. To liberals, the only qualification for whether a tax is advisable is if taxpayers can “afford” it.

How about this logic: I don’t believe Ralph is so bad off he can’t afford to send me $100. Ralph, if you’re reading this – and unfortunately you’re not – I’m waiting for the check, because you can “afford” it.

Star Tribune: Pawlenty Has Highest Approval Ratings In Four Years

2007-10-03T09:49:00.000-05:00

"Gov. Tim Pawlenty appears to have weathered some of the most tumultuous events of his tenure, with 59 percent of Minnesota adults approving of the job he is doing as governor, a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows. It is his highest approval rating in the poll since February 2003, shortly after he took office.

Despite frequent combat with the DFL-dominated Legislature, the recent horror of a bridge collapse on his watch and questions about the state's response to flooding in southeastern Minnesota, Republican Pawlenty's strong approval rating cut across gender, regional and age lines." Source: Star Tribune, October 3, 2007

Click here for complete story.

Pawlenty's Latest Reform Success

2007-09-28T14:44:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty has appointed a reform minded Commissioner of Health in Sanne Magnan, who is receiving wide bi-partisan acclaim as she approaches the confirmation process.

“She had an incredible set of credentials and experiences that make her extremely well-suited to serve in this position,” Pawlenty said.
Top legislators on health issues were quick to praise the Republican governor’s selection. Rep. Tom Huntley, chairman of a House health care funding committee, predicted Magnan would be an “excellent commissioner” who has a shared desire to improve the health care system. Her background also is impressive.
“She understands the science of health care, and that’s really important,” Huntley, DFL-Duluth said. “I think she’s going to be great.” (excerpted from article)

Obviously turning the ship of Government is just that, an attempt to move a ship. It would be ideal if the governor could have gone in and gutted each of the departments of dead weight and inefficiencies, but unfortunately, you can't make quick reforms until people are in place who are capable, and people are removed who hold reform back.

It appears that the latest department which will move in that direction is the Health Department under this new Commissioner.

(click here for entire article)

Governor Proposes Small Business Relief in Greater Minnesota

2007-09-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

In the first of what looks to be a series of 2008 legislative initiatives, Governor Pawlenty today traveled the state to lay out his plans for tax relief and grants to spur small business growth in Greater Minnesota Communities.

SEED (Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development) will facilitate business development across Minnesota through 22 new or expanded programs that target several strategic areas, according to a news release from the governor's office in St. Paul.

The proposal is the first major initiative Pawlenty has proposed for the 2008 legislative session. (excerpted from article). (click here for the entire article)

The governor's office issued a release on the program today which reads in part:

“Investing in small business will bring lasting value and economic growth to our entire state and especially rural communities that need it most,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Companies with fewer than 100 employees account for 97 percent of the state’s businesses and generate most new jobs. SEED will help new business, existing companies, and rural communities by providing a wide variety of economic development tools that can be matched to each situation.” (click here to learn more from the governor's office)

Small business often bares the brunt of punitive taxation and over burdensome regulations and mandates. Years of government attacks on our small business community have effectively decimated much of this critical sector in Greater Minnesota.

Today's announcement by the governor signals a significant shift away from attacking the job creators of our state (by our state) towards a much more sympathetic approach. This is on the heals of the governor's highly acclaimed JOBZ program aimed to give significant tax relief in many depressed Greater Minnesota counties by this governor.

Obviously, it would be ideal if our government would choose not to treat job creators as the enemy to start with.

But as we seek to reform this state, providing relief to small business owners is a significant step in the right direction.

Pawlenty Begins to Lay Out 2008 Legislative Agenda

2007-09-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty will begin defining his 2008 legislative agenda on Tuesday as he travels to St. Paul, Sauk Rapids, Brownsdale and East Grand Forks to talk about Economic Development.

Check back with Party of Pawlenty over the upcoming weeks as Governor Pawlenty continues to define a bold, reform oriented agenda for 2008.

(click here for the story)

Are you kidding me???

2007-09-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

I'd like to introduce a new category of posts here at Party of Pawlenty we like to call, "Are you kidding me???"

In this morning's Star Tribune, the fine "journalists" over there took Governor Pawlenty to task for playing an active roll in selecting the best possible educational path for his oldest daughter.

Here is the opening line of this breaking news (assume drum roll here):

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a key player in setting policy for Minnesota public schools and allocating billions of dollars for public education, has chosen private school for one of his daughters.

And that is what the entire story is about. (I apologize profusely for including a link to it).

In other breaking news, the fine "journalists" at the Star Tribune have learned.

--"Gov. Pawlenty, who governs a state with excessively generous social welfare programs, has a job and is not on a single public assistance program."

--"Gov. Pawlenty, who works in an office with a state-paid photocopy machine, asked his wife to go to Kinkos to print birthday invitations."

--"Gov. Pawlenty, who oversees the allocation of billions of dollars to promote Minnesota tourism, took his family to Disney Land."

In all seriousness, the Trib should be embarrassed that it allowed any ink to be spilled to print such a nonsensical and irrelevant story.

One of the greatest issues facing education today is a lack of parental involvement. It is demonstrably true, that kids who have involved parents do better in school.

And we, as a people, should encourage the kind of involvement that we see from the Governor of Minnesota (a busy guy), in the education of his own daughters.

There is nothing inherently noble about sending ones child to a public school versus a private school, or vice versa.

We have been blessed in Minnesota to have a pretty good mix (we have some work to do yet) of public, private, charter and home-school "institutions" of education in which parents can pick which one best fits the needs of their child, their family, and their community (believe it or not, where the Star Tribune thinks a child should attend is way down the priority list).

But regardless of the intent of the "journalists" at the Trib, an important point does come across in the story.

Governor Pawlenty places a high value on education, and part of his tenure as Governor is defined by making schools accountable to parents and kids so that all of our schools (public, private and otherwise) are providing a world class education.

Pawlenty urges helping hand for war vets

2007-09-13T09:54:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty, who has been a national leader as Governor on Veterans issues, has announced a series of new initiatives that seek to make Minnesota, "most veteran-friendly state in the nation."

Speaking Tuesday at the fall conference of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers at Grand View Lodge, Pawlenty said the military is made up of people who have raised their hand and volunteered for service.

"We would not have the country we have without the brave men and women in the military," he said.

While wearing yellow ribbons and declaring support for the military is admirable, those deeds have to be followed up with action.

"It has to be backed up by deeds that matter," he said.

Giving credit to lawmakers and veterans officials, Pawlenty listed what has been accomplished for veterans in recent years in Minnesota.

• 100 percent tuition reimbursement for National Guard veterans.

• A no-protestors funeral law.

• The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program for reintegration.

• The Minnesota GI Bill.

• Increased funding for veterans' counseling and veterans' service agencies.

The governor predicted an "up-tick in need and demand" for the veterans service officers' services. (excerpted from article).

Of course, as we all know, Governor Pawlenty is a leader among leaders in terms of our nation's Governor's.

So ultimately Governor Pawlenty's leadership on Veteran's issues will matriculate throughout the other states of the union and Governors, legislators and citizens across the country see the success of Governor Pawlenty's initiatives.

(click here for the entire article).

Governor Wins Narrowly Taylored Special Session

2007-09-10T21:28:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty today exhibited restraint and leadership this afternoon to deal with the flood ravaged Southeastern portions of Minnesota.

A limited, one-day Special Session which will focus only on the immediate needs in the aftermath of the natural disaster will take place beginning at 5:00pm tomorrow, the 11th of September.

"'It's, I think, the fastest disaster recovery special session that we've had in recent memory,' Pawlenty said. 'I know there has been some concern about timing, but the fact of the matter is that those two other floods, the special session was three months later. We've moved this up for understandable and good reasons and it needs to be moved up.'" Source: MPR, September 10, 2007

Earlier, Governor Pawlenty was able to utilize existing executive authority, federal aid and existing money to get the state on track to replace the fallen I-35W bridge.

Some have recently sought to utilize the bridge and flooding as a springboard to increase the taxes and spending in advance of the regular 2008 session.

Unless the current deal is broken by Governor Pawlenty's political opponents, we should see a quick, focused session on providing much needed emergency relief.

Our legislative leaders have an opportunity in the Spring to openly debate a more expensive agenda should they choose.

They will just have to do so outside the heated passions of a recent disaster, as a time when greater deliberation and contemplation (you know, the kind that is supposed to accompany the legislative process) is available to our elected officials.

Focus and Restraint

2007-09-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

MDE hit the nail on the head with his post below on Governor Pawlenty's leadership in defining what will and what will not be part of a Special Session should one happen.

To follow up on that, it is becoming clear (I guess it has always been so) that there is a focus and restraint problem on the other side of the aisle that Governor Pawlenty has to deal with as he seeks to build this bridge, assist in flood recovery, and do the other "stuff of Government."

And Governor Pawlenty has simply found that he can utilize the tools given to him to ease the pain caused by these two issues without letting legislative leaders open up a Pandora's Box of government intervention and higher taxes. They will undoubtedly try to do that during the regular session, so why allow for that this fall.

Plus, Governor Pawlenty doesn't need to.

In a letter to Pawlenty, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller dropped their requests for a gas tax increase and property tax relief and instead proposed a one- or two-day special session starting next Tuesday. They suggested focusing on two agenda items: replacing the I-35W bridge and flood relief costs. They proposed paying for those projects with up to $370 million from the state's budget surplus.
Pawlenty said thanks, but no thanks.
"We now know the federal government has committed to cover the reconstruction costs of the I-35W bridge," he wrote in a letter to Kelliher and Pogemiller. He said it would be premature to assume the state must provide additional money to complete that project. If more funds are needed, he said, the 2008 Legislature can provide them.
As for the flood, he said he will soon use his executive authority to help meet the financial needs of flood victims, and he expects to propose legislation on the matter later. The state might have to borrow up to $200 million to repair or replace roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in the southeastern corner of the state, he said. (excerpted from article)

There is a legitimate fear that legislators during a Special Session would be like kids in a candy store. We need a bridge built and we need some relief for flood victims. Everything else can be debated during the regular session in 2008.

Kids already eat too much candy.

(click here for the entire article)

Governor Pawlenty Outmaneuvers DFL Leaders Once Again

2007-09-04T22:56:00.001-05:00

Governor Pawlenty has outmaneuvered the DFL legislative leaders once again:

"DFL legislative leaders said Tuesday they're ready to abandon a more comprehensive special session to focus on last month's Interstate 35W bridge collapse and the massive floods in southeastern Minnesota. They also suggested a willingness to drop advocacy of a gas-tax increase." Source: Star Tribune, September 4, 2007

Click here for the complete story.

It gets better:

"Minnesota's Democratic legislative leaders today dropped most of their wish list for a special session, and pleaded with Gov. Tim Pawlenty to call lawmakers back to St. Paul to only work on issues related to a Minneapolis bridge collapse and southeast Minnesota flooding." Source: West Central Tribune, September 4, 2007

Click here for the complete story.

Pleaded? DFL leaders are now pleading for a special session. I have said before that I'm not advocating a special session, but I'm certainly not afraid of one either. It seems that Democrats in Minnesota have once again been outmaneuvered by Governor Tim Pawlenty in legislative negotiations.

###

This story is cross-posted at Minnesota Democrats Exposed and True North

Pawlenty Continues Leadership on Emergency Relief

2007-08-31T14:52:00.000-05:00

It has been a tough month for the state of Minnesota.

We've had a bridge, that experts said didn't need serious work for years to come, fall to the river while crowded with vehicles.

While the recovery effort was still under way, Southern Minnesota towns and roads were flooded out by torrential rain fall.

Throughout these tragedies, Governor Pawlenty has taken all of the bold, unilateral steps he has been able to take (both to provide the flood relief and get moving on bridge construction) that he has been able to do with the powers he has as Governor.

And he continues to show leadership as he seeks to work with allies and opponents alike to do what is necessary in an emergency situation.

So why are some Democrats willing to risk timely relief for the sake of the extraneous and trivial?

It is time that the public demands DFL house and senate leaders move ahead on what matters in the here and now, and leave all of the extras aside until we can have an open and public debate about needs vs. wants during the 2008 legislative session.

Because many of the Democratic leaders seem unwilling to narrow the focus of a prospective special session to the serious issues of emergency relief, a special session appears to be on hold.

Thankfully, the Governor is taking all necessary, prudent, bold and appropriate steps unilaterally to do what needs to be done in the near term to provide for emergency relief.

Pawlenty wanted to call a special session to pass laws on four issues: bridge safety, flood relief, property taxes, and transportation.

"Special session are supposed to be called for emergencies. And we have one," said Pawlenty.

But the Governor won’t call a special session unless he has in writing, an agreement from lawmakers that they’ll stick to emergency issues only.

"The governor wants to avoid a free for all slumber party where he calls a special session and legislators don’t leave," said law professor Larry Jacobs. (excerpted from KSTP article)

I'd like to challenge the Democratic leadership to let Minnesotans know what issues are so important that they:

a) Are worth sacrificing emergency flooding and bridge tragedy relief. AND
b) Can't wait until February for the regular session?

Just give us a list, and we'll let the public decide.

(Click here for the entire article)

Isaiah 6: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I, send me!”

2007-08-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

There is a terrific article in the Bemidji Pioneer detailing the homecoming celebration of Bemidji-based "Able Company" which saw 16 months of active duty fighting terrorism in Iraq.

You can read the entire article here:

“What’s the most generous thing you’ve ever done with your life,” the Republican governor (Pawlenty) said he once was told as a way to judge generosity. “In other words, what do you have that you’re willing to give away to somebody else that may make their life or our world a better place?”

The troops and family have given of their time, their skills, received some money, made some friendships, he said, but ultimately what one does with it is an indicator, he said.

“Are you willing to give what you got for a cause or a circumstance that is different from, bigger than, better than just our individual circumstance?” Pawlenty asked.

The troops honored Saturday were willing to serve 22 months this time, perhaps six years in total for Guard duty, with the only request that “I will go, if you need me,” he said.

Pawlenty quoted from Isaiah 6, where God says, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I, send me!”

The troops didn’t get to say, “Send me, unless it’s inconvenient,” Pawlenty said, or unless a new son or daughter is born, or unless it’s an inconvenient time for work, or unless it will be too hard on the Soldier’s wife or husband or significant other, or unless it will make mom worry a lot.

“They just have to salute and go,” he said. “It’s an extraordinary, extraordinary act of generosity.”

Minnesota is a great state, not for its politicians, but “because it’s a state filled with really great people,” he said, listing off high national rankings for the number of volunteers, in charitable giving and in church attendance.

“When we’ve had the big catastrophes in Minnesota in the last weeks, what we saw was horrible tragedies but we also saw the goodness of Minnesota shining through,” Pawlenty said, referring to the Minneapolis bridge collapse that killed 13 and southeast Minnesota floods that killed seven. (excerpted from article)

The Governor is absolutely right. We have a lot of selfless people in Minnesota and in the United States.

None are more selfless than the men and women in our armed forces, and there have been few times when we have asked more of them than in the current and on-going War on Terror.

One of the most difficult and somber, but important things Governor Pawlenty has to do is send our National Guard troops off to war (second only to attending the funeral of troops we lose).

One of the most heartening things he has the opportunity to do is welcome them home.

“We can’t give back the 22 months that you’ve given, but … you gave the people of Iraq an opportunity for something better,” he (Governor Pawlenty) said.

Pawlenty also noted that those who died had also given “the ultimate measure of generosity and sacrifice in laying down their lives.”

“The state of Minnesota and people across the state do not forget what you’ve done and are grateful, and will keep you in their thoughts and prayers,” he said of Able Company. “We appreciate every minute of every day that you were gone.” (excerpted from article)

Thank you.

Top 10 least popular presidential campaign promises

2007-08-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Because things have been pretty serious lately, here are the Top Ten Least Popular Presidential Campaign Promises courtesy of David Letterman’s top ten contest. Feel free to post some possible chart-breakers.

10. Promises to make Rosie O’Donnell “Goodwill Ambassador”

9. $2000 donation gets you a night in the Lincoln Bedroom. $25 donation gets you a hunting trip with Dick Cheney

8. To change the national anthem to “Funkytown”

7. Tax deductions for three or more wives (Mitt Romney only)

6. Iraq, the 51st state!

5. Jamba Juice stores to have “30% more Jamba”

4. Even more Law & Order marathons (Fred Thompson only)

3. Send me to the White House and win a free night in the Kucinich Bedroom

2. No new taxes, only higher older ones

1. New head of PETA: Michael Vick

FEMA teams assess flooding; Pawlenty asks for speedy help

2007-08-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

I happened to be across the border from Winona and some of the hardest hit small communities in SE Minnesota last weekend when it seemed like the rain would never stop. It was pretty incredible how saturated the whole area became, and how much damage a little water can do.

Governor Pawlenty is seeking quick and efficient relief for the infrastructure damaged by last weekends flooding from the Feds.
On Wednesday, one FEMA team headed to Rushford, a city of about 1,700, ringed by rugged bluffs about 130 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. Water that quickly rose to hip-deep in the streets tore through the city in the wee hours Sunday morning, washing out foundations and forcing people to flee their homes.

City Councilwoman Nancy Benson said she went into her basement to rescue belongings and a wall gave way. A wall of water came rushing at her. She would have died had her husband not pulled her up the stairs in time, she said.

The city's business district was wiped out and about 277 homes had been destroyed. She said the city is "desperate" for federal aid.

"Our community has to be helped or we will die," she said. "We'll end up being a bedroom community." (excerpted from article)

In times of tragedy, it seems like Minnesotans in particular do a very good job of coming together to lend a helping hand.

(click here for entire article).

Pawlenty Update

2007-08-21T12:28:00.000-05:00

I received the email update below just a few moments ago.

Just a few personal observations.

Much has been written and said about special sessions and funding our roads. Here on Party of Pawlenty, we have discussed Governor Pawlenty's leadership on this issue, and his focus on making a priority getting the bridge built efficiently, safely and quickly.

The email below "speaks" for itself, but it is Minnesotans can proud that the Governor is prepared to cut through the red-tape to get this bridge built and refocus our efforts on actually funding transportation (a truly core function of state government).

And if we can all get an income tax cut in order to target revenue towards roads and bridges as the Governor has outlined, all the better.

It is nice to see a governor focused on the right priorities.

Dear Friends,

As you may have read over the weekend, Governor Pawlenty has been working with legislative leaders from both parties to discuss a possible special session to deal with transportation safety issues.

I wanted to share an update with you on some of Governor Pawlenty's priorities for a possible special session.

Governor Pawlenty has outlined his preferences for a special session, as reported by the St. Cloud Times, including:

A dedicated account to finance bridge inspections, repairs, improvements and replacements

Inclusion of a trunk highway bonding plan to accelerate priority road projects around the state

Dedication of the current sales tax on leased vehicles to roads and transit

A bonding bill that focuses mainly on road and bridge projects

Statutory changes allowing greater authority for highway and freeway lane additions funded through tolls

Expedited authority to cut through red tape relating to road and bridge inspection and improvement

Also, you may have read that the Governor has put a possible gas tax increase on the table. What had not been reported until Saturday's St. Cloud Times is that the Governor has made it clear to legislative leaders that he would like to see this gas tax increase as only temporary and offset by an income tax cut.

I hope you will stay tuned to this important story as it develops and support our efforts to deal with infrastructure safety in a fiscally responsible way.

Sincerely,

Michael Krueger

Political Director

www.TimPawlenty.com | info@TimPawlenty.com | (651) 905-0555

Study: Minnesota drops out of most expensive states for business

2007-08-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

Virtually every governor in recent history has attempted to get Minnesota out of the top ten in the tax burden it imposes on its citizens.

Earlier this year, Governor Pawlenty actually accomplished that unifying feat.

A new study indicates that along with that, Governor Pawlenty has also brought us out of the top ten in terms of the cost of doing business.

Minnesota dropped out of the 10 most expensive states for doing business, according a new study.

The study, compiled by the Milken Institute, calculates the cost of doing business in each state based on an array of factors, including wages, taxes, electricity costs and real estate costs for industrial and office space.
Minnesota ranked No. 10 in the 2006 survey, with an overall index score of 107, meaning that costs were 7 percent higher here than the national average.

This year, that figure fell to 104.3 (4.3 percent higher than the average), and the state ranked No. 13. (excerpted from article)

Of course this isn't really about "business" per se, but about people and quality of life, which is always the reason we should seek to ease the burden (and yes, that is what it is, a burden) of government regulation and punitive taxation.

Moving the ship of state in the right direction is often exactly analogous to turning a large, lethargic ship.

But Governor Pawlenty, step by step is doing exactly that.

And this is just more evidence of his leadership.

(Click here for the entire article)

“It would be a shame if anything happened to your nice family”

2007-08-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

It has been ten months since Mike Hatch lost his bid for governor and yet he continues to furnish Minnesotans with evidence that voters made the right collective decision. It was disclosed yesterday that in a March ruling Judge Lawrence Collins admonished Hatch for his misconduct in two civil trials in which Judge William Leary accused Hatch of improperly telephoning him and threatening Leary with negative news coverage if Leary failed to acquiesce to Hatch’s demands. (Just the type of behavior one looks for in an attorney general.)

Because the facts were too obvious to argue (Hatch admitted that he had, indeed, telephoned Judge Leary and tried to have him removed from the case), Hatch retreated to that old liberal standby that his actions were simply misconstrued. Uh-huh, sure they were. Mob bosses (with whose bullying tactics and bellicose threats Hatch has much in common) often resort to the same defense insisting that – honest to God – they weren’t threatening anyone when they ominously warned someone that it would be a shame if anything happened to the individual’s nice family. Similarly, in no way was Hatch threatening Judge Leary when he mentioned exposing him to news coverage. Hatch was simply implying all the nice stuff he was going to share with the media. That’s precisely the type of nice-guy stuff we all associate with Mike Hatch.

In an episode that was otherwise entirely devoid of any humor whatsoever given the seriousness of the charges against a sitting attorney general, Hatch provided an hilarious postscript by outrageously claiming yesterday, “I only wish that the decision was issued before the election, because I believe it repudiates the accusations made in the Swift Boat commercials.” This from the individual that kept Judge Collins’ order secret for nearly half a year after its issuance! Why, if the order were so exculpatory, did Hatch keep it secret for so long?

The obvious answer is the correct one. Hatch understands the ruling for what it clearly is: a judicial admonishment of the then highest law enforcement officer for interfering with justice.

"Fast-track bridges becoming standard"

2007-08-17T10:13:00.000-05:00

The Pioneer Press has an excellent piece today about the common practice of fast-tracking bridge construction in order to safely get traffic and commerce moving.

When Minnesota Department of Transportation officials said a replacement for the collapsed Interstate 35W bridge would be built by late 2008, some were skeptical. They questioned whether the agency was rushing ahead without regard to safety or how the bridge should be designed.
But accelerated construction schedules, using contracts with steep incentives for builders, have become common since 1994 when C.C. Myers rebuilt Southern California's earthquake-damaged Interstate 10 in 66 days, earning a $14.5 million bonus. (excerpted from Pioneer Press story)

This is clearly an issue of defining priorities here in Minnesota (and a model of defining priorities elsewhere).

Are we more worried about salamanders being displaced, or are we more worried about people's livelihoods being disrupted?

Are we worried about debating bids for the most unique aesthetics, or does that seem a little trivial?

Can we define some of the red-tape that can be set aside for the purpose of getting life back to normal?

And when we do so, can we reexamine whether all that red-tape was necessary to begin with.

And Brian McClung, a spokesman for Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who first set the aggressive timetable, said the job could be finished on time and safely.
"We're going to hold (the contractors) accountable to building a safe bridge and doing it in the right way," McClung said. (excerpted from Pioneer Press article)

The Governor spent a significant part of his morning radio show talking about his "Drive to Excellence" initiative.

State Government is saving millions and millions of dollars under Governor Pawlenty simply by doing "the stuff" of Government more efficiently, and using new technology.

The same thing conceptually applies to the leadership he is showing as he seeks to rebuild this bridge.

I feel a little sorry for the dinosaurs in state government and politics generally (and the media of course) who are skeptical. They aren't helping us get traffic moving again.

But it is apparent the Governor has a little more vision and foresight than those skeptics. So we can expect bold initiatives out of his office to move this project ahead for the people of Minnesota who just want this thing built.

I encourage you to click here for the entire Pioneer Press story.

Poll: Pawlenty approval rating at new high

2007-08-15T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has picked up on the escalating approval ratings of Governor Pawlenty in the wake of his steadfast and bold leadership pertaining to the tragic I-35 bridge collapse two weeks ago today.

In the wake of the Minneapolis bridge collapse, Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s approval rating has climbed to its highest level recorded during his tenure in office, a new poll shows. (excerpted from article)

It seems apparent to me that these high approval ratings are a direct result of Governor Pawlenty making it clear that he is going to rise above politics and bureaucratic red tape so that we can get this bridge build and reopen this important artery as soon as possible.

Perhaps just as important has been his focus on prioritizing spending on those pieces of this puzzle that the people of Minnesota really agree with (our real transportation infrastructure of roads and bridges) and away from feel good projects and peripheral spending that will not move traffic.

This sort of leadership, and a demand that the taxpayer's money be spent wisely, and with accountability has been the hallmark of Governor Pawlenty's tenure in office.

Which brings us back to the numbers, and why his approval ratings are so high.

(click here for the entire article)

Survey USA Poll: Pawlenty Approval at 59%

2007-08-13T22:57:00.000-05:00

According to the poll, Pawlenty's approval is at 90% among Republicans, 54% approval among Independents, and 39% approval among Democrats.

Click here for the complete details on the new poll from Survey USA.

Governor Pawlenty sets up new "Veterans Linkage Line"

2007-08-10T19:57:00.000-05:00

Showing his character, and leadership on issues pertaining to our Veterans, it was announced that Governor Pawlenty has set up a "Veterans Linkage Line" to "make it easier to find services and to ensure immediate crisis intervention."

“Our goal is to make Minnesota the best state for veterans to live,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Understanding and navigating the many programs and services provided by state, federal and local governments can be discouraging. The Veterans Linkage Line will connect veterans and their family members with information on veterans’ benefits, health care and reintegration. It’s another way for us to make sure we thank and support those who serve our country.” (Excerpted from Article)

Veterans can contact the hot line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-LINKVET (546-5838).

(Click here for the entire article)

Overwhelming majorities approve of Pawlenty's handling bridge tragedy

2007-08-08T00:25:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty has proven himself to be a strong reformer and a visionary leader during his tenure as Governor.

A new poll conducted by SurveyUSA and KSTP shows that Minnesotans overwhelmingly approve of the way Governor Pawlenty is handling the current tragedy surrounding the collapse of the I-35W bridge just north of Minneapolis.

The survey shows that 75 percent of all Minnesotans, and even 70 percent of self identified Democrats approve of the way Governor Pawlenty is handling this disaster.

(Click here for a pdf with the full results of the poll)

"Build the Bridge"

2007-08-07T09:42:00.000-05:00

Much has been written, and rightfully so, on the collapse of the I-35W bridge just a week ago tomorrow.

It has been a sad time for Minnesotans and will ultimately lead to a public policy debate as to where transportation (and more specifically roads and bridges) should be on the priority list for state government expenditures. I happen to believe that building and maintaining our road and bridge infrastructure is one of the most basic functions of state government.

We still live within a Federalist system, and within the state we are best served with that Federalist equivalent. Let the Feds defend our boarders, keep us safe and fight our wars. The State can keep up with the roads, and play a role in education and a few other issues, locals can be most effective in the education realm, and let families, communities and places of worship handle the compassion and charity.

Now, however, we need to build this bridge and make sure others are safe for the traveling public.

We are blessed to have a leader like Tim Pawlenty who is already showing bold leadership and not allowing people to say this thing can't be reconstructed quickly and safety to recreate this critical Minneapolis artery.

The Mesabi Daily News has a great piece today entitled Yes, cut the federal red tape; it's an emergency. (click here for the entire article)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants Minnesota’s members of Congress to get action to help cut through federal red tape as the state moves ahead in recovery and reconstruction efforts following the bridge collapse in Minneapolis.
By all means, let’s get at it.
The governor specifically asks the Minnesota congressional delegation to “craft federal legislation that would designate authority to the United States Secretary of Transportation or other proper individuals the ability to expedite, waive, or relax certain regulations, permitting and other requirements that can properly and safely be set aside to allow us to recover more promptly from the emergency,” he said in part in a letter to the state’s members of Congress. (Excerpted from Article)

This governor has consistently defined bold leadership during his tenure in office. We applaud the governor as he steps up to this challenge, and appreciate his initiative to cut through state and federal red-tape to get this bridge built and get traffic moving again.

Pawlenty complimented for uniting Minnesota at time of crisis

2007-08-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

"The horrific bridge collapse sent a wake-up call to the entire country and in particular to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. If there ever were a time for the representatives of the people to meet and speak, in one voice, it is now.

The governor himself has expressed understanding of this, telling reporters Thursday: 'We will do anything and everything it takes to make sure this recovery effort is done well, and we will do everything possible, including a special session, if necessary. This is a time of crisis and a time for Minnesota and America to come together.'

The governor is absolutely right, and, more than that, he has exhibited that unity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, and fellow Republican Norm Coleman. He is cooperating with U.S. Reps. Jim Oberstar, chairman of the 8th District and the House Transportation Committee, and with Keith Ellison, in whose 5th District the tragedy took place.

And Pawlenty stood Thursday with DFL Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis, who he was scheduled to meet, along with other metro-area mayors, had the bridge not fallen." Source: Duluth News Tribune, August 5, 2007

Click here for the complete editorial.

There they go again

2007-08-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

The Democrats’ sickening ability to sink to ever lower levels never ceases to amaze me. Their cynical and grubby exploitation of Paul Wellstone’s death shocked and appalled just about everyone, except for the hapless and (by his own admission) still unrepentant Rick Kahn. I incorrectly and naively believed that the Democrats had learned a lesson about the limits to which the public would allow them to manipulate and exploit genuine human tragedy for political purposes.

Recent events prove me wrong. It took less than 24 hours for Democrats to turn the I-35W bridge collapse into a partisan talking point. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid kicked things off by suggesting that the nation’s infrastructure has suffered because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying, “Since 9/11 we have taken our eye off the ball.” It is preposterous beyond description that our nation’s senate leader is suggesting that the I-35W bridge would still be standing had we not spent money fighting the War on Terror.

Playing into Reid’s theme last night, CNN’s Jack Cafferty exploited the collapse tragedy to criticize the war in Iraq by suggesting that the money “pouring into Iraq” would have been better spent “at home.” He topped this off by featuring a viewer’s e-mail that complained that infrastructure spending is a “drop in the bucket compared to $450 billion wasted in Iraq.”

Liberal Star Tribune columnist Nick Coleman helped Reid keep things going by writing today:

For half a dozen years, the motto of state government and particularly that of Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been No New Taxes. It’s been popular with a lot of voters and it has mostly prevailed. So much so that Pawlenty vetoed a 5-cent gas tax increase - the first in 20 years - last spring and millions were lost that might have gone to road repair.
I’m not just pointing fingers at Pawlenty. The outrage here is not partisan. It is general.

Not just pointing fingers at Pawlenty?! Such linkage is a prima facie attack on Pawlenty – especially when, as usual, Coleman appears incapable of criticizing his fellow Democrats. Certainly a case could be made that their plowing billions of dollars into wasteful government social programs could have been better spent on infrastructure. I, however, will not even begin to suggest that such a course would have prevented the I-35W bridge collapse.

On Minnesota Democrats Exposed Michael Brodkorb linked to this disgusting and inexcusable post from Democratic Underground. No more need be said.

Rather, such comments by the liberals reveal nothing more than their own sick and appalling thought processes. To them, everything is political fodder. To them, good Minnesotans dying is no tragedy if they can effectively abuse the tragedy to bludgeon their opponents.

Must everything – even the worst tragedies we suffer – be politicized by the Left? Is nothing too precious, sacred, or off limits not to be subjected to the bile and slime of the Democrat political ambition?

Sadly, more – and much, much worse – is coming. That the earthly remains of the bridge collapse victims wait to be recovered has not stayed or hindered Democrat attempts to exploit the tragedy. They have learned nothing about the boundaries of civil discourse.

After working the 2002 election cycle, such Democrat tactics fail to concern me. Voters will respond to such inexcusable and cynical behavior as they have in the past. In the face of this week’s tragedy, however, even that is no comfort.

Governor Pawlenty And Mayor Rybak Announce Interfaith Prayer Service

2007-08-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

This press release was just sent out by Governor Pawlenty's office.

###

Minneapolis-Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced this evening that there will be an Interfaith Prayer Service held on Sunday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m., for members of the public and the families and victims of the 35W bridge tragedy in Minneapolis on August 1. The location of the service will be announced in the days to come.

The interfaith prayer service will include a collection to be taken for relief efforts including the victims and families of the bridge tragedy.

More details will be released as they are finalized.

Star Tribune Posts Video Of 35-W Bridge Collapse Press Conference

2007-08-02T15:55:00.000-05:00

The Star Tribune has posted video from of press conference held earlier today on the 35-W bridge collapse. Governor Pawlenty is the first to speak and he discusses the items mentioned in the press release posted earlier today.

Pawlenty doesn't rule out a Special Session to address 35-W bridge collapse

2007-08-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty is speaking at a press conference and said he hasn't ruled out calling a Special Session to address the 35-W bridge collapse.

Governor Pawlenty declares peacetime emergency, activates State Emergency Operations Center

2007-08-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

This press release was just sent out by Governor Pawlenty's office.

###

Saint Paul – Governor Pawlenty signed an emergency executive order today declaring a peacetime emergency and activating the State Emergency Operations Center. The Governor has directed all state agencies to provide necessary assistance to help local, state and federal units of government respond and recover from the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The emergency executive order will remain in effect until the conclusion of the emergency.

The following is the text of Emergency Executive Order 07-09:

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the applicable statutes, do hereby issue this Executive Order:

WHEREAS, on August 1, 2007 at approximately 6:05 pm, the Interstate 35W bridge spanning the Mississippi collapsed totally destroying the bridge; and

WHEREAS, the catastrophic collapse of the bridge caused significant injuries and loss of life; and

WHEREAS, the response to the collapse has involved City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and other local, state and federal emergency response agencies; and

WHEREAS, significant local, state and federal resources are needed to continue recovery efforts, investigate the cause of the collapse and respond to the continuing needs of the victims of the collapse and infrastructure needs of the City of Minneapolis, the state and the nation; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

A peacetime emergency under Minnesota Statutes, Section 12.21 exists as a result of the collapse of the bridge effective 6:05 p.m. CST. The damage caused by the collapse of the bridge also meets the definition of a disaster as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 12.03, Subdivision 2.

The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will open the State Emergency Operations Center and continue activation of the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan, including the provision of on-site support and assistance to the affected local governments.

All state agencies are directed to provide the assistance necessary to help local, state and federal units of government respond to and recover from this emergency.

The extent of the damage to Interstate 35W, impact on the governments, employers, and residents of the city, county and state are severe and constitute an emergency contemplated by the terms of 23 U.S.C. 120(e) and 125.

Damage to Interstate 35W, a Federal aid highway, is extensive and significantly impairs the transportation infrastructure of the city, county and State such that immediate repairs and rebuilding are vital to the security, well-being, health and commerce of the residents of the Sate of Minnesota.

I request that the Secretary of Transportation, or other appropriate federal highway official, concur in the declaration of this emergency.

The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and other state agencies are directed to work with local and federal officials to determine the need for supplemental federal assistance and take all actions necessary to obtain needed assistance.

All state agencies are directed to provide support, assistance and cooperation as requested by the National Transportation Safety Board, which has been identified as the lead agency investigating the cause of the bridge collapse.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, 4.035, Subdivision 2, this emergency executive order shall be effective immediately and will remain in effect until the conclusion of the emergency.

--30--

Governor Pawlenty statement regarding I-35W bridge collapse

2007-08-01T23:42:00.000-05:00

Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis:

"This is a catastrophe of historic propositions for Minnesota. We want to say to the families who are being impacted by this that our hearts and prayers are with you. But we also want to make sure that you know we are doing everything we can to make sure that we respond as quickly as we can to the needs of this emergency." Source: Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty, August 1, 2007

Press conference highlights

2007-08-01T21:23:00.001-05:00

Governor Pawlenty and other officials held a press conference at 9:00pm. Here is an excerpt of rough quotes from Governor Pawlenty:

“This is a catastrophe of historic proportions for MN. We’re doing anything and everything to respond to the needs of those affected in this incident.”

“I visited the site. It is a catastrophe. To the families who are impacted by this, our hearts and prayers are with you and that we are doing everything we can to respond to this emergency.”

“The bridge was built in 1967 and it’s unique in its design… It was inspected in 2005 and 2006. No structural defects were identified in those reports”

“Both federal and state officials, once the rescue operation is concluded will launch a full investigation… there is no indication that this was caused by terrorism, all signs point to structural issues.”

To support the relief effort log on to www.Redcrosstc.org

I-35W bridge collapses

2007-08-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

Developing News Story. . .

A major tragedy has occurred in Minneapolis with the collapse of a bridge over Interstate 35W.

The Interstate Hwy. 35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed during the evening rush hour Wednesday, dumping at least eight cars and a truck into the water and onto the land below, creating a horrific scene of damage, fire, smoke, injuries, frantic rescuers and terrified motorists.
It was not clear how many people might be hurt or killed, but witnesses said at least 20 cars were involved. (excerpt from Star Tribune story)

Click here for the entire developing story.

Please keep all of the prospective victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Star Tribune: #1 Isn't Good Enough

2007-07-30T22:58:00.000-05:00

The Annie E. Casey Foundation just released its 2007 KIDS COUNT Data Book last week. The KIDS COUNT report measures child well-being for all 50 states, based on key indicators including the high school dropout rate and the percentage of children living in poverty. For the first time in the report's history, Minnesota ranked #1 in the nation.

You'd think the Star Tribune editorial page would have a tough time using this report as an excuse to bash Governor Pawlenty. You'd be wrong.

American-izing our energy

2007-07-30T17:19:00.001-05:00

I received email below from Governor Pawlenty's committee. National security remains the critical issue of our time, and it is nice to see Governor Pawlenty leading the charge both as Governor of Minnesota and Chairman of the National Governor's Association.

Dear Chris,

Next time you go to the gas station, when you're standing there watching the numbers flip by as the cost climbs, think about this fact:

10% of our imported oil comes straight from Venezuela.

That means every time you fill up, you're probably buying at least a gallon of gas from Hugo Chavez. The same Hugo Chavez who believes the United States is "the devil."

And another 10% comes from Saudi Arabia.

Since the gas lines of the 1970's we've known that hooking our economy to the Middle East is very dangerous. Yet the federal government has provided almost no leadership on this issue in the last 30 years.

In my new role as chair of the National Governors Association, my focus will be securing a clean energy future for America.

As you know, states are frequently the incubators for important policy initiatives.

I believe it is critical that we move America towards energy independence.

Over the next year, I intend to continue to lead by example in Minnesota, while working with other governors to find ways to "Americanize" our nation's energy supply.

If we can unhook from the Middle East and in the process find new energy sources that do less damage to the environment, all while enhancing, not harming our economy, I believe it will be a major breakthrough for America.

I hope you'll join me in this cause.

Sincerely,

Tim Pawlenty
P.S. To learn more about our initiative to "Secure a Clean Energy Future" click here.

Thoughts and prayers for the family of Norm Coleman Sr.

2007-07-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Norm Coleman, his wonderful wife Laurie, their two awesome kids and the entire Coleman family on the passing of Norm Coleman Sr.

On a personal note, throughout the few campaigns that I had the opportunity to either work for or volunteer for Senator Coleman, I had the chance to meet Norm Sr. on a handful of occasions. He was a hell of a nice guy, and you could tell every time you spoke with him just how proud he was of his son, our great United States Senator.

Opinion - Pawlenty’s NGA role is a plus for the state

2007-07-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

DL-online, out of Detroit Lakes has a very good pieces on why Governor Pawlenty's new role as NGA Chairman is a good thing for all Minnesotans (click here for entire article).

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been accused all year of pursuing a spot in the national limelight. Today, he gets one. At its annual meeting in Traverse City, Mich., Pawlenty will be elected chair of the National Governors Association.
His attainment of this national perch is something Minnesotans of every political persuasion can applaud. The NGA is an influential, bipartisan promoter of state governments that better serve their citizens, and of a federal government that better responds to state needs. Its focus is on wise policy, not politics. (excerpted from article, emphasis mine)

Some of these points are often lost in a hyper-partisan environment we are currently in, which may sound odd coming from a hyper-partisan.

But it is refreshing to see papers like this and others focusing on the good Governor Pawlenty has and will do, and the positive influence he can have here and across the country with this new position.

So remember this as Left-wing bloggers and opposition hacks criticize "ambition." And, of course, take their comments with a few grains of salt.

Pioneer editorial: Pawlenty’s pick a wise one for him

2007-07-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

Today, the Bemidji Pioneer praised Governor Pawlenty for choosing energy security as a priority issue during his tenure as chairman of the NRG.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty played into his strong suit when he declared “Securing a Clean Energy Future” as the theme of his upcoming year as chairman of the National Governors’ Association.
The Republican governor took over the reins of the organization on Monday, and proclaimed energy as his year’s project for the NGA, partially to “showcase” Minnesota’s energy initiatives, which Pawlenty says puts the state ahead of the rest of the nation. (Excerpt from Pioneer article)

Governor Pawlenty continues to receive accolades for his leadership and vision.

(Click Here for Entire Article)

Pawlenty revs up his peers on energy

2007-07-24T19:57:00.000-05:00

As we have discussed almost ad naseum, Governor Pawlenty has now taken the reigns as the Chairman of the National Governor's Association.

From a right-wing conservative's perspective (mine), it couldn't have gone better. From the perspective of fellow Governors (right and left), well. . . they agree with me/us on this one.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, head of the Republican Governors Association, said that Pawlenty "exudes trust, and that's the most valuable commodity you can have in this business." When Pawlenty talks, he said, "I stop and listen." (excerpt from Trib Story)

"Gov. Pawlenty is one of the most thoughtful, introspective of all our governors," said Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, the group's new vice chairman. "Among all our governors, no one looks to the future more than Tim Pawlenty." (excerpt from Trib Story)

And let none of us forget that Governor Pawlenty started his tenure pushing for the "Americanization" of energy.

Some will say this is a push to avert global climate change, and you know what, if we are all conscientious of that, we are all the better.

But Governor Pawlenty showed just one of the reasons why he is now the voice and face of the GOP and the Conservative movement when he talked about energy security and how it is truly a national security issue in a post 9/11 world.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. - With the nation's governors assembled before him, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said on Monday that the United States can no longer rely on "unstable and unfriendly" foreign sources for its growing energy needs and called for an "Americanization" of energy.
By 2030, Pawlenty said, the United States also will be responsible for producing 20 percent of the world's carbon emissions, outpaced only by China.
"If we continue," he said, "we will risk the nation's security posture, its prosperity and quality of life."
Although he has pushed an alternative energy strategy at home in Minnesota for several years, Pawlenty, in his national rollout, broadened his focus to "cleaner energy," to include coal and petroleum producing states.
"We want to recognize traditional energy states that have concerns," Pawlenty said, nodding across the room to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. Cleaner, more efficient ways to burn fossil fuels, such as coal gasification, he said, should be part of the nation's energy arsenal right along with ethanol, wind, biodiesel and others. (Excerpt from Trib article)

And lest we all forget what a truly class-act this Conservative leader is.

"He's a bridge-builder, and, at his core, a decent human being," said Democratic Michigan Gov. Jennifer Gran- holm, after attending a sunrise prayer service on Sunday where Pawlenty read from the Old Testament's Isaiah. Discussion among a group as diverse as the governors "can devolve into partisan rhetoric," she said, "but he's really stayed focused more on policy than politics." (Excerpt from Trib Article, and yeah, she's Canadian).

The point here is clear.

MN has a Governor, and the GOP has a leader, who is miles ahead of the pack when looking at national and energy security issues. And while he stands out as a truly Conservative leader, the other side recognizes Governor Pawlenty as a class act, a model of ethics and a visionary leader.

Thanks Gov.

Keep fighting.

(Click here for entire story)

The economy that’s never good enough

2007-07-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ever notice how whenever a Republican is in the White House or the Governor’s Mansion, the economy is never quite good enough? Even if it’s firing on all cylinders, the media laboriously caveats all positive news with pessimistic warnings of what bad developments might occur.

Even as the Dow Jones Industrial Average broke through the 14,000 mark, liberal media outlets couldn’t report the good news without ominous cautions. On Thursday’s ABC’s World News, substitute anchor Elizabeth Vargas led the broadcast with news of the record close but quickly fretted that “there’s a good deal of worrisome economic news these days – from sky-high gas prices to America’s gaping trade deficit.” Reporter John Bergman continued with a piece noting that, while the Dow took only three months to rise 1,000 points from 13,000 to 14,000, he marveled it did this, “despite those serious jitters about the U.S. economy: three-dollar gas, a major housing slump – a drag on the U.S. economy.” He concluded with a gloomy note about “disappointing earnings reports from Google” and that “it may mean that the mood tomorrow won’t be quite so rosy.”

This angle was consistent with the line taken by CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric back in April when the Dow broke the 13,000 mark when she worried that “even as investors are making money in the market, Anthony Mason reports there are concerns tonight about the rest of the U.S. economy.” (Can anyone recall a time in our nation’s history when there wasn’t concern about our economy?) Mason’s report noted that “…Wall Street and Main Street appear to be headed in different directions. While the stock market’s been racing ahead, the economy has been slowing down. Housing is mired in a slump.”

It’s a bit like getting a health check-up and being told you’re in great physical shape – but you might get cancer. Or you could get hit by a bus. Or maybe you’ll get struck by lightening. Unfortunate potential developments (in any conceivable area of life) will always loom on the horizon.

Similarly, here in Minnesota there is no amount of economic good news good enough for the DFL. Even this past week’s announcement of job growth rate more than doubling that of last year was greeted with dismal spinning by DFL leaders. Given all their dire warnings earlier this year of the state’s imminent infrastructural collapse were Governor Pawlenty not to sign their massive tax increases, one can understand their refusal to acknowledge such positive economic developments.

Were the media consistent in their coverage, however, all of this would be far less disconcerting. When Bill Clinton was president, such economic news lacked such equivocation. (Given the fact that Democrats haven’t occupied the Minnesota governor’s office in a generation, I can’t speak to what state economic reporting looked like back then.)

As long as Republicans occupy the chief executive positions nationally and here in Minnesota, don’t expect any unadulterated good economic news. None. Zilch. Nada.

It is rather obvious that much of Minnesota’s economic progress can be attributed precisely to Governor Pawlenty’s adamant refusal not to raise taxes. And liberal Democrats can’t afford to admit it.

Set your DVR

2007-07-22T17:50:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty will be on C-SPAN's Washington Journal tomorrow (Monday, July 22nd) morning at 6:30am CST/7:30am EST from the National Governor's Association meeting in Traverse City Michigan.

He will be talking about his agenda as he assumes the role of Chairman of the NGA.

I call this progress

2007-07-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

During a Good Morning America segment last week, ABC reporter Diane Sawyer shared with viewers a recent courtroom experience that she described as “hurtful.”

Sawyer explained: “You know, I wanted to sit on a jury once and I was taken off the jury. And the judge said to me, ‘Can, you know, can you tell the truth and be fair?’ And I said, ‘That’s what journalists do.’ And everybody in the courtroom laughed. It was the most hurtful moment I think I’ve ever had.”

Given the mainstream media’s outrageous bias, it is no wonder that average Americans literally laugh at the suggestion that journalists tell the truth and are fair.

More of Party of Pawlenty in the news

2007-07-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

"'He won in Minnesota in the worst of all years,' said Chris Tiedeman, a young GOP activist who admires Pawlenty so much he helped launch a 'Party of Pawlenty' Web site. In an inaugural posting, Tiedeman described Pawlenty as a model for an ailing party: 'Governor Pawlenty has become the GOP brand.'" Source: Associated Press, July 20, 2007

Party of Pawlenty in the news

2007-07-21T13:48:00.000-05:00

"Former GOP party executive director Corey Miltimore and other prominent GOPers including Jonathan Blake, Michael Brodkorb and Chris Tiedeman have just launched PartyofPawlenty.com, which is "devoted to discussing the future of the Republican Party and what we need to do to successfully elect Republican candidates and enact our conservative agenda for Minnesota and the nation. We believe that one of the most important leaders in that effort and in the future of the Republican Party is Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty." Source: Politics In Minnesota Weekly Report, July 20, 2007 [subscription required].

AP: "Pawlenty takes another step on apparently upward path"

2007-07-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

Brian Bakst over at the AP does a nice job capturing Governor Pawlenty's rise as the face and voice of today's GOP in this piece: (Click here for the entire story)

On Monday, Pawlenty takes over as chairman of the National Governors Association as the organization moves into its centennial year. And by next year, he'll strut his stuff before the Republican establishment when the party's nominating convention comes to town.
Just 46, Pawlenty says he'll stay put until his term ends in 2010, and he won't rule out a bid for a third term. And he denies he's positioning himself for higher office. (excerpt from AP Story)

Significantly, Governor Pawlenty comes through, even in print, as to part of the reason he is so well loved across the spectrum while remaining a visionary conservative voice.

"You could drive three minutes south of the Minnesota border and nobody would know or care who I am. And that's OK," Pawlenty said in an interview Thursday.
"I'm energetic but I'm not obsessed with what I'm going to do three years from now," he said. "I could very easily be running a nonprofit or fishing on Lake Vermilion or working somewhere internationally. I have no idea." (excerpt from AP Story)

In a youtube and blog era, when too many politicians seem superficial (to use a generous word), much of Governor Pawlenty's political and legislative success has resulted specifically because he is the antithesis of superficial.

As comfortable in hockey skates as he is in wingtips, Pawlenty often has trouble hiding boyish tendencies from his days growing up in the meatpacking town of South St. Paul. (excerpt from AP Story)

And perhaps most telling, is that in this an other recent articles, the worst his opponents seem to be able to say about him is that he is a nice guy who is too dogged in keeping taxes low. (seriously, at a time when MN job growth is high and Governor Pawlenty solved the most massive deficit in the country his first year, they criticize him for being too successful).

But Pawlenty does have his critics. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl L. Clark (D) said that while Pawlenty is “likeable and affable,” he also “digs his heels” in and refuses to compromise on certain issues, such as raising taxes. (from the Stateline piece)

For those of our readers outside of St. Cloud MN, Tarryl Clark is a freshman state senator, former 2nd in command for the State DFL, and the supposed face of today's DFL.

To paraphrase Senator Clark as she tried to tear down the governor, "he's too nice as he leads the charge for a vibrant MN economy by letting the private sector flourish. Damn you for being so nice and keeping a lid on taxes."

We look forward to seeing Governor Pawlenty take over the reigns at NGA Monday.

Check back as he prepares to announce his NGA agenda.

Stateline: Minnesota gov lands national spotlight

2007-07-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

Stateline published a great article today on Governor Pawlenty's ascent to national prominence. It's the top story on their website.

Insiders say that for Pawlenty to keep his job in a year when Democrats swept a majority of the nation's governorships and statehouses — in a state that hasn’t voted Republican for president since 1972 — says a great deal about his appeal.

Supporters say that Pawlenty’s ability to frame budget and other issues in ways that Minnesotans understand helped the governor prevail in last fall’s election and in work with the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

The son of a truck driver and the first in his family to graduate from college, Pawlenty struck a populist theme when he famously said in his first year as governor the GOP needed to be “the party of Sam’s Club, not just the country club.”

On a self-serving note, Party of Pawlenty is mentioned in the article and our own Chris Tiedeman and Michael Brodkorb are quoted in the story. Click here to read the full story.

Pawlenty to chair National Governors Association

2007-07-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

In today’s Pioneer Press, veteran political reporter Bill Salisbury reports on Governor Pawlenty’s upcoming appointment as chairman of the National Governor’s Association.

Being elected to chair the NGA is an impressive achievement. Moreover, it demonstrates the positive qualities Governor Pawlenty’s Republican and Democrat gubernatorial peers recognize in him as a genuine leader.

Salisbury writes:

“The (association) is one of the premier public policy organizations in the country, and I really enjoy and appreciate the chance to serve people and hopefully make a positive difference in public policy,” Pawlenty said in an interview Thursday.

As chairman, he will be the spokesman for the nation’s governors on Capitol Hill, at the White House, in business and foundation board rooms and with the Washington press corps.

The job also will give Pawlenty a national platform to promote himself. But he insisted that’s not why he’s taking the post.

“With the exception of a small group of reporters who follow this stuff, 99.9999 percent of Minnesotans and Americans don’t know or care, understandably, who the NGA chair is,” he said. “It’s not a particularly high-profile political opportunity, but it is a great public policy opportunity.”

Click here for the complete article.

Politico looks towards our "North Star" Pawlenty

2007-07-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Martin at Politico has a great piece on Governor Tim Pawlenty today.

Mitt Romney is Vin Weber's favorite former governor. But the Minnesota congressman-turned-lobbyist and Romney kitchen cabinet member likes another chief executive just as much.

"I think he's a rising star," Weber says of Tim Pawlenty, the 46-year-old Minnesota governor now in his second term.

Which is why Weber, along with former RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman, hosted a private gathering of over 50 of Washington's top Republicans at his lobby shop last night in honor of Pawlenty. "He's a real talent for the Republican Party and they ought to know who he is," Weber says.

I encourage you to take a look at Jonathan Martin's entire post.

Party of Pawlenty makes National Journal blogroll

2007-07-19T14:01:00.000-05:00

Party of Pawlenty was mentioned today on the National Journal's "Beltway Blogroll"

-- It's nice to have fans in the blogosphere, and now Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has a whole party of them over at Party Of Pawlenty, a new group blog.

Many thanks for all of the responses we have received during our short time in the blogosphere from Republicans from all across the country excited about Governor Pawlenty and the hope he brings for our message and our party.

National Journal: Pawlenty is GOP's "next superstar"

2007-07-18T19:27:00.000-05:00

National Journal's Hotline blog discusses Governor Pawlenty's appearance at a DC law firm luncheon today:

"Granted this kind of guess work might be premature, but [Ken] Mehlman and other DC GOPers certainly see something in [Pawlenty's] brand of populist conservatism, often referred to as 'Sam's Club Republicans' this afternoon."

Party of Pawlenty blog announces its list of contributors

2007-07-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

St. Paul, MN – Today Party of Pawlenty, the latest blog following the career of the Republican Party’s new and dynamic voice, Minnesota’s Governor Tim Pawlenty, announced its initial list of blog contributors.

Corey Miltimore—Corey is a longtime activist and political operative in Minnesota. He served as the Executive Director for the Republican Party of Minnesota for four years, and has been a major player in moving Minnesota from solid blue to deep purple. In 2002, Corey lead the state GOP as its Executive Director as the party secured its largest majority in the state house in recent memory, and won the Governorship, the US Senate seat and elections up and down the ballot.

Michael Brodkorb—Michael, also known as MDE (Minnesota Democrats Exposed), has risen to be one of Minnesota’s most prominent and well recognized Republican and Conservative bloggers. Prior to leading the blogosphere, Brodkorb was the Research Director for the Republican Party of Minnesota, and he has served on multiple Republican campaigns and causes over the course of the last two decades.

Eric Hoplin—Eric was most recently the Deputy Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota. Hoplin previously served as chairman of the College Republican National Committee and presided over the largest expansion in the group’s 113 year history. He is a member of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors and serves as vice-chairman of the International Young Democrat Union (an international coalition of young center/right party leaders).

Jonathan Blake—Jonathan is a communications and public policy consultant in the Twin Cities. Prior to his consulting career, Blake worked in several roles at the Republican Party of Minnesota, including Finance Director and grassroots organizer. He is a longtime conservative activist and volunteer.

Chris Tiedeman—Chris is a Minnesota attorney and political and public affairs consultant in St. Paul. He has been a long time conservative activist and Republican Party leader, working and consulting on campaigns in Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas and Oregon.

Also, many thanks to Derek Brigham of www.FreedomDogs.com for his help with the design and layout of www.PartyofPawlenty.com. Derek is quickly becoming one of the prominent graphic designers within the Conservative Movement.

“Some say great leaders are defined by their time; by a particular moment in history. Others say great leaders transcend their time. Tim Pawlenty does both,” said one of the blog’s authors, Chris Tiedeman.

“We encourage readers to visit often to learn more about one of the conservative movement and Republican Party’s most significant new voices,” Tiedeman concluded.

###

MN job growth twice as strong as the same time last year

2007-07-17T18:33:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty has consistently fought against tax increases, and has been steadfast in his insistence on government restraint when it comes to spending.

And the results are undeniable.

Encouraging news on the jobs front for Minnesota.

Minnesota's economy added 4,200 jobs in June, marking improvement in the pace of job growth compared with last year.

The state's economy has added an average of 3,600 jobs per month through the first six months of 2007, better than the 1,700 monthly average for the same period a year ago, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Since the 2006 elections, conventional wisdom has been that Republicans have lost their brand, especially on issues of spending and morals.

Republicans from sea to sea have a proven example on how to get our brand back with Governor Pawlenty.

Roundheads, Whigs, Know Nothings, and Liberals

2007-07-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

This past Wednesday, DFLer Jim Cohen announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Norm Coleman. Interestingly, Cohen markets himself as a “pragmatic Progressive.” (Yes, a “Progressive” with a capital P, whatever that means.)

Since Cohen is taking excruciating pains to not be classified as a liberal, you be the judge as to whether the label is appropriate.

1. He’s a DFLer
2. He’s described by the Star Tribune as an “environmental activist”
3. He worked for the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund
4. He worked for the Environmental Task Force

But don’t call him a liberal! Nope – he’s a Progressive with a capital P.

Nice try on Cohen’s part, but if he isn’t a liberal, then liberalism no longer exists – which, of course, it tragically does.

Cohen’s refusal to be labeled as a liberal is indisputable proof of the Left’s desperate attempt to reduce the toxic liberal label to a quaint anachronism of America’s past. Their efforts would have voters believe the liberal label is as relevant as that of Roundheads, Whigs, Know Nothings, and other such long forgotten parties, ideologies, and movements.

When archetypal liberal candidates like this refuse to refer to themselves as liberals, it emphasizes how truly low the liberal brand has sunk. Cohen’s refusal to embrace the label is proof that conservatism killed liberalism in the marketplace of ideas. The Left’s unwillingness to defend or even attempt to rehabilitate the term show how politically lethal the term is. Liberals (at least those who run for public office and actually hope to win) have been forced to retool themselves in a shameless and brazen Orwellian fashion. Based on such reasoning, conservatives could just as well start referring to themselves as Martians.

The obvious point here is that just because the liberal ideology has been thoroughly repudiated by voters, doesn’t mean that the Left has abandoned their goals. On the contrary, they are simply deconstructing language to repackage their discredited ideas and agenda, endeavoring once again to sell to voters something they don’t wish to buy.

"See you soon" and "Welcome Home"

2007-07-16T08:40:00.000-05:00

Governor Pawlenty, as the Commander in Chief of the Minnesota National Guard has the opportunity to do two things that should make all of us very proud this week.

First, Governor Pawlenty will witness the National Guard 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry deployment as they are headed to Kosovo on a peacekeeping mission.

Second, he will blessed to welcome home 200 members of our National Guard as they return from Iraq.

From a story on the deployment:

Gov. Tim Pawlenty praised the soldiers for stepping up and serving.

"You have who are raising their hand who will say 'I will go be a peacemaker. I will step into the middle of this fight and say you need to stay apart until things can cool down and we can get a better handle on it,'" said Pawlenty.

For some of these soldiers, like 1st Sgt. Tom Malecha, this is the second deployment to Kosovo within the past five years.

"It's very rewarding. Cause we're creating history. It's the future of that country that's at stake," said Malecha.

Whether they are coming or going, these are America's finest. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they defend our freedoms and welcome them home with the honor and dignity they have earned.

Here is the information on the deployments and welcome home.

July 16. GOVERNOR SPEAKS _ Gov. Pawlenty speaks at deployment ceremonies for Minnesota National guard troops in Albert Lea (10 a.m.), Mankato (2 p.m.) and St. Paul (6 p.m.)

Locations: Albert Lea National Guard Armory, 410 Prospect Ave., Albert Lea; Mankato National Guard Armory, 100 Martin Luther King Dr., Mankato; Historic Fort Snelling Visitors Center, 200 Tower Ave., St. Paul.

Contact: Brian McClung, XXX-XXX-XXXX

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 17. 8 a.m. PAWLENTY WELCOMES _ Gov. Pawlenty welcomes home about 200 returning members of Minnesota National Guard. Media planning to cover must register in advance by e-mailing Lt. Col. Kevin Olson at kevin.olsonus.army.mil by 3 p.m. Monday, July 16. All media must arrive at front gate of Volk Field by 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Location: Volk Field, 100 Independence Dr., Camp Douglas, Wis.

Contact: Brian McClung, XXX-XXX-XXXX

Our cause for hope

2007-07-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

Change often comes slowly. Oftentimes, but by no means always, the bigger the change, the more slow and imperceptible change is. Large, imposing edifices on the brink of tremendous change often appear impervious to it. Take, for example, the former Soviet Union.

The Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics was officially created in late December 1922 at the conclusion of the bloody Russian Civil War. Called into being by the proto-Bolshevist Lenin like the spawn of some demonic ghoul out of horror fiction, the reality of the Soviet Union was all too real to the pitiful generations who lived and died under its banal brutality and terror until it was mercifully dissolved in December 1991, its demise mourned only by a preposterously insignificant handful of Russian elite that relied on its largesse and an equally preposterous number of Western Leftist elite who never tired or flagged in their defense and approbation of the tortured system – or had to suffer under its tyranny.

For nearly seven decades, the Soviet Union seemed at times to successfully defy natural law. Many in the West puzzled at how the Soviet Union could lumber on decade after decade with its antiquated command economy, absence of freedom, and lack of genuine human rights. This apparent success caused some to doubt Western-style economic freedom and civil liberty and view the Soviet system as simply another, equally acceptable form for government.

One is reminded of John Kenneth Galbraith’s breathtakingly wrong assessment of the health of the Soviet economy. As late as 1984 he stated, “That the Soviet system has made great material progress in recent years is evident both from the statistics and from the general urban scene….One sees it in the appearance of solid well-being of the people on the streets…and the general aspect of restaurants, theaters, and shops….Partly, the Russian system succeeds because, in contrast with the Western industrial economies, it makes full use of its manpower.”

Or of liberal historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., who observed that “those in the United States who think the Soviet Union is on the verge of economic and social collapse” are “wishful thinkers who are only kidding themselves.”

Or of Columbia University Sovietologist Seweryn Bialer’s equally massively wrong observation in Foreign Affairs, “The Soviet Union is not now nor will it be during the next decade in the throes of a true systemic crisis, for it boasts enormous unused reserves of political and social stability.”

As we now know, however, history eventually caught up with the Soviet Union and such benighted intellectuals thanks to Ronald Reagan. He understood that while the Soviets might be able to cobble together an economy and paste over human rights abuses for a time, eventually, their system would end up “on the ash heap of history.” Reagan recognized that the solution was not détente but challenge; i.e., the escalation of market forces to expose the flawed and defective foundations of the entire Soviet system.

So much for history. Cut to May 2007 and the Star Tribune’s announcement of staff reductions due to financial woes. Created in 1982 out of the merger of the Minneapolis Tribune (founded in 1867) and the Minneapolis Daily Star (founded in 1920), the admittedly liberal Star Tribune has finally foundered on the rocks of free market competition. Strib deputy editor and leading liberal voice on the editorial page Jim Boyd acknowledged that the new Strib owners (Avista Capital Partners) are more concerned with financial goals than ideology. In response, Boyd has chosen to take a buyout but insists that not much will change.

On the contrary, everything has changed.

Given his repeated assertions that Avista is more concerned with financial performance than ideology, one can only assume that Boyd is whistling past the graveyard of market forces demanding return on investment. As much as Boyd may be loathe to admit it, free market forces are now impacting the Star Tribune. As with the former Soviet Union, the inexorable winds of change are blowing. In fact, they’re blowing with gale force through the newsroom and editorial board, which has been reduced from 12.5 to 7.5 positions. (Question: What do you call a Strib editorial board reduced by five positions? Answer: A start.) And similar to the demise of the Soviet Union, the recent changes to the Strib editorial department have been mourned only by a preposterously small handful of liberal elites that rely on the largesse of editorial bias.

It has been acknowledged by Strib management that the newspaper’s extreme liberalism has hurt profits by alienating readers and advertisers who place themselves anywhere to the right of the Bolveshiks on the political spectrum. As with the Soviet Union, the Star Tribune has likewise been subjected to change due to market pressures.

For a time, the Strib proved willing to place financial returns a distant second to the promotion and defense of Leftist ideology in general and all things Democrat in particular. Like the Soviet Union, the Strib marched on for decades seemingly inured to reality. However, with the change of ownership, first to McClatchy and then to Avista, the denial of financial realities came to an end. (McClatchy, which purchased the Strib from Cowles Media for $1.2 billion in 1998, sold it to Avista for only $530 million in December 2006.)

Sadly, the revolution within the Strib was not without some unfortunate casualties. It’s dismaying that James Lileks lost his column and reassigned to write local news stories. As the admiring owner of The Gallery of Regrettable Food, Interior Desecrations, and Mommy Knows Worst, I remain hopeful that Strib leadership will recognize this waste of talent and restore Lilek’s column.

One should be cautioned that since it took the Soviet Union seven decades to collapse, we should not despair over the lack of further immediate and dramatic changes at the Strib. Until such change is truly effected, the Star Tribune remains less a newspaper than an inherently flawed and biased liberal propaganda organ. It is less a trusted news source than an ideological tool of the Left.

However, let us be cheered that change has come, and confident that it will continue to grow, albeit perhaps slowly.

RNC Convention in Pawlenty's backyard right on track

2007-07-14T07:50:00.000-05:00

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that fundraising for the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul is on track and "flowing as anticipated."

"We're excited about the buzz that is out there about the convention," (Cindy) Lesher said. "The companies have been very receptive to talking to us and being involved in the convention planning."

We too are excited at Party of Pawlenty because part of the buzz revolves around Governor Pawlenty, and his new place as who, and what the GOP needs to be about as it market's its conservative and optimistic message to the voters in 2008.

There is a certain amount of irony that the Twin Cities were selected for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Who would have known at the time of the selection that those descending on Minnesota would have the privilege of being welcomed by one of the parties most dynamic and successful new national leaders?

Nick Coleman blames the Governor for everything... including cafeteria service at the Capitol

2007-07-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

Nick Coleman, the perpetually outraged Star Tribune columnist, wrote a piece today on a recent management change at seven State Capitol cafeterias. Coleman is furious that Taher, Inc. - the local company that was recently awarded the contract for cafeteria operations - has decided to use non-union labor. (I know what you're thinking, nothing grabs the public's attention on a Friday afternoon like a labor dispute involving food services at state buildings.) Coleman, of course, makes this a classic good versus evil story with good being represented by - surprise - himself and the unions, and evil, of course, personifed by Governor Pawlenty. The unforgivable sin for which Coleman castigates the Governor: allowing the Department of Administration to initiate an open and transparent bidding process, thereby getting the best value for taxpayer money.

Coleman apparently cares little about the need to conduct competitive bidding processes with integrity and transparency. He dismisses the fact that the bids were reviewed and scrutinized by a 8-person panel and judged by a set of objective criteria. He doesn't care that some recently dismissed workers have already been re-hired. And he implies that Governor Pawlenty personally intervened in the process in order to punish union workers. But worst of all, Coleman does it all with his trademark combination of condescention and histrionics:

"[One former worker] who lives in a low-income apartment near the Capitol, had walked to her dishwashing job through rain and snow for 39 years. Gov. Rudy Perpich used to ask how her parents, who lived in Two Harbors, were doing. Gov. Jesse Ventura gave her an autographed picture. Gov. Tim Pawlenty gave her the boot."

Coleman could have added, "and now I'm using her as a punchline to score a few political points against a governor I despise."

Something tells me if I was a glutton for punishment, I could wade through some of Coleman's other columns and find him chastising the state and especially federal government for awarding contracts without allowing for a similar open and transparent bidding process. In those cases, Coleman would have accused a conservative admininstration of playing favorites and rigging the system. Now he's criticizing a conservative administration for not playing favorites and refusing to rig the system. But consistency isn't in Nick Coleman's vocabulary. The only things consistent about Nick Coleman are intolerably dull writing, intellectual dishonesty, and an irrational hatred for Governor Pawlenty.

Wecome to "Party of Pawlenty"

2007-07-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to "Party of Pawlenty"

Why the Party of Pawlenty?

Some say great leaders are defined by their time; by a particular moment in history.

Others say great leaders transcend their time.

Tim Pawlenty does both.

At a time when the Republican Party has suffered significant losses at the ballot box, Tim Pawlenty is a leader who transcends time but at the same time is exactly what the Republican Party needs in order to regain its brand, its image and its foothold in American politics.

Matthew Continetti writes in his Weekly Standard piece, “Tooting the Horn of Pawlenty; Meet the first Sam’s Club Republican,”

The most important speech at the 2007 Conservative Political Action Conference, held in early March at a Washington hotel, didn't come from any of the Republicans running for president. It came from Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, one of the few Republican success stories in 2006--he was reelected with 47 percent of the vote--and a rising star in a party that's been knocked back on its heels.

Far before that, Governor Pawlenty’s rise to prominence and the reasons why his style and brand of conservatism is needed at this time in history for the GOP really became apparent at the very beginning of Pawlenty’s first term in office. As Coninetti writes,

Pawlenty's first task on assuming office was to confront the state's $4.2 billion budget deficit. The newly elected governor had promised to erase the deficit without raising taxes. He did so. And he kept busy. He signed a law requiring a waiting period for abortions and another allowing permit-holders to carry concealed firearms. He threw out the state's lax education requirements and passed new, tougher standards. He won passage of a drug reimportation bill. He poured resources into alternative energy--one of his favorite subjects and proudest accomplishments. He talks with rare interest about biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol and wind power.

Governor Pawlenty has remained a staunch conservative voice, holding the line on taxes and spending despite intense pressure from the Left. He has moved the ball forward on important social issues such as the protection of life, and defense of the 2^nd Amendment. At the same time, he has been an unapologetic leader on issues the GOP has all too often shied away from. On issues such as healthcare reform, the environment and energy independence, he has been able to lead in a conservative way on many of the bread and butter issues too often associate with the Democratic Party.

Perhaps this is why, looking forward, DaveG over at http://race42008.com/ writes that for the GOP to have a chance at success, the Party of Pawlenty has to win over voters who he defines as, “Pawlenty Democrats.”

In race after race, Republican politicians were defeated in the Midwest, both incumbents and non-incumbents, both moderates and conservatives. The sole survivor of the Late Unpleasantness sits still in the governor’s mansion of the State of Minnesota. He is a rising star of the GOP, and a man who can possibly clue Republicans into just how to cobble together an electoral majority in 2008. I am referring, of course, to Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

If the GOP is to win in 2008, it will have to figure out how to win back what I call the “Pawlenty Democrats” of 2006 — Midwestern voters who cast ballots for Democrats in other races but who split their tickets in Minnesota to re-elect T-Paw.

Some believe that the GOP in 2006 lost its brand. The GOP gained the perception of being the party of big spending Government and lost the moral high ground it once had as it was plagued by scandal. In the waning days of the 2007 legislative session in Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty stood up to tha big spending image, wielding his veto pen like a sword striking down tax increases and big spending bills sent to him by the Democratically controlled state legislature.

Governor Pawlenty has become the GOP brand.

He is steadfast in his defense of the taxpayer, unimpeachable with his Boy Scout character, and unapologetic about confronting the issues that affect working men and women such as health care, education and the environment.

Republicans from coast to coast can be proud of this new voice, and new face for our shared conservative values.

We invite you to check back often as we track the development of Governor Pawlenty’s leadership and track the Party of Pawlenty’s reclaiming of its rightful place as the majority governing party in Minnesota and across the country.