State DFL officials didn't take kindly to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's remarks in Chicago and Puerto Rico when he criticized Democratic plans for health care reform.

The DFL party issued this statement Saturday:

“Another day, another trip for Governor Pawlenty — while Minnesotans are left behind in his wake. After a snide and sarcastic speech at the GOPAC health-care forum last night — where he added his name to the list of partisan, boorish, Rush Limbaugh Republicans who want to see President Obama fail — the Governor heads to Puerto Rico today in the latest step to boost his national notoriety and court favor with right-wing insiders.

“But while he enjoys his time in the sun, Minnesotans are facing rising health-care costs, worrying about keeping their jobs, and facing a historic budget deficit. Governor Pawlenty has turned his back on Minnesota’s people and values yet again and sold us out for a cheap laugh at another partisan fundraiser. What’s even worse is the hateful, divisive rhetoric that he is choosing instead of working toward solutions to Minnesota’s and America’s problems.

“Americans overwhelmingly rejected the Republicans’ hateful, divisive, cheap tactics in the last election. But sadly, Governor Pawlenty is shamelessly catering to the conservative elitists, who would rather tear down than help build. Instead of traveling to other states to take cheap shots at the President’s agenda, Governor Pawlenty should come back to St. Paul and fix the mess caused by his own failures here in Minnesota.”