Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has announced that he's not running for a third term and the scramble to succeed him has already begun. MN House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and GOP MN Senate Leader David Senjem are already making noises that they might run-- there's a big crowd from the DFL (that's Democratic to any non-Minnesotans)that's already lining up including MN House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and former US Senator Mark Dayton... this is going to be an out and out free for all. Fun times are ahead!
An interesting potential twist: Norm Coleman?
The big question then becomes this: what's next for Pawlenty? Many are interpreting this as the first step towards a Presidential run in 2012. Personally, when I hear people talking about Tim Pawlenty, Republican Nominee- or even President Pawlenty the first words that usually leap into my head are: 'Are You High?' The StarTrib may publish happy articles about how 'popular' he is, but he's never received a majority either time he's elected- and he's a lot less popular then he appears. That's my read anyway-- in my three years in Minnesota, I don't think I ever really met anyone who was all about Tim Pawlenty.
He was barely re-elected in 2006 and had to claw his way to the Governorship in 2002, beating back the Republican establishment candidate as he did so and given the fact that despite the dreams of Republicans everywhere, Minnesota ain't turnin' red anytime soon. In fact, they've got the longest blue streak going in the nation, being the only state to vote for Mondale in '84. If memory serves, Minnesota hasn't voted Republican since 1972.
So Tim Pawlenty for President? Again, my first reaction: 'Are you high?' But if you stop and think about it, there is potential there. A lot of it depends on how he handles his budget cutting party in July (he's doing it solo) and let's face it- the GOP as of right now doesn't have a lot of bench strength for 2012. Pawlenty may well end up being the best choice out there- after all, he's managed to get re-elected in a solidly blue state. But will he translate to a national stage? That's a tougher question... I think you can certainly put him on the short list for VP- but President? Meh. I'll believe it when I see it, despite the eagerness of Democrats to hand it all back to the Republicans.
No comments:
Post a Comment