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ERIC BLACK INK

Pawlenty talks...but not about a veep job

By Eric Black | Published Tue, Feb 26 2008 1:12 pm

Washington Post politics blogger Chris Cillizza, covering the national governors meeting, says Gov. Tim Pawlenty is "widely seen as the current leader in the McCain veepstakes."

Cillizza posts video of his three-minute interview with Pawlenty, in which they discuss the Pawlenty-McCain relationship and the chances that Minnesota will be in play in the fall. He didn't get anything surprising out of Pawlenty.

TPaw was on his winsome game. He described Minnesota as a state that has "gone from deep blue to purplish maybe, with a little light blue streak in it" and said that it's "not beyond credible to say that Minnesota is a competitive political state."

Pawlenty didn't answer Cillizza's question of whether he would agree to join the ticket if asked, saying:

"I support [Sen. John McCain] because I believe he would be a fantastic president for the country, not because I need or want a different job."

Cillizza did not raise the apparently not-so-awkward question of Pawlenty's various 2006-7 statements that if re-elected, he would serve his full term as governor.

Election '08 | Tue, Feb 26 2008 1:12 pm | 5 Comments

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5 Comments: Hide/Show Comments

(#1) On February 26, 2008, Peder DeFor says:

I'm not sure how big of a deal this type of thing is. I remember when Wellstone went back on his promise to only run for two terms, it was brought up to criticize him, but I don't know how many people would have held back from voting for him. (And yes, we'll have hypocrits on both sides of this if Pawlenty is the VP nominee.) If it turns out that the Dem nominee promised to serve their full term, would it keep any Dems from voting for them in Novemeber?
I think that this type of thing is seen as more of a political 'little white lie' than anything else, really.

(#2) On February 26, 2008, John Krogstad says:

Pawlenty's Record, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120373223052387643.html

I predict Pawlenty will not be McCain's VP.

(#3) On February 27, 2008, Cory Devor says:

I find it interesting that the governor, and aspiring VP, when asked for his major accomplishment(s) - has nothing to say but "I have vetoed every tax increase that has come before me".

I am hoping that we find leadership in the future that goes beyond "No New Taxes", locally and nationally. Something that will inspire America to the greatness it is capable of, rather than the petty fights over $0.05/gal gas taxes. We have wasted a in IRAQ and our schools can't afford music and art and physical education!

(#4) On February 27, 2008, Sherry Gunelson says:

I think Pawlenty has lost his roots. He has forgotten where he comes from. All he can say is "no new taxes". That is not governing. His whole life has been about striving and achieving new goals. That is what he is working on now. His next A...and it is not us.

(#5) On February 29, 2008, John E Iacono says:

As one of many on fixed incomes who must tighten the belt when money is short, I LOVE it when a politician suggests we must do the same.

As for veep, Pawlenty has said he will serve his full term. Unlike many other politicians, he is not famous for making statements he does not mean, to the frequent dismay of the dems.

And why should't he? A secure job for the next three years with age on his side for the next cycle vs a big gamble if he opts out for an uncertain race this year.

If nothing else, he has to consider what a voracious legislature would do to his successor if he left.

It seems to me this veep talk is just so much wishful thinking on the part of the dems.

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Eric Black is a former reporter for the Star Tribune and Twin Cities blogger. He writes about politics and government of Minnesota and the United States, the historical background of topics and other issues. Click here to view Eric's previous postings at former blog, Eric Black Ink. He can be reached at eblack [at] minnpost [dot] com.

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ERIC BLACK INK

Pawlenty talks...but not about a veep job

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