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Home | Politically Connected | State Politics

Pawlenty's big ideas: A sampler

Last update: December 11, 2007 - 8:33 PM

2002-03

Big idea: Took no-new taxes pledge, promising not to raise state levies. Result: Pledge made a powerful campaign theme, and Pawlenty pushed through a belt-tightening budget in his first year, balancing a record shortfall without state tax hikes.

2003

Big idea: Proposed restoring Minnesota's death penalty in the wake of the Dru Sjodin murder. Result: Lack of legislative support quickly killed the plan.

2004

Big idea: Declares war on high prescription drug prices; crosses FDA by launching state website for Canadian drug purchases; attempts to pressure drug giant Pfizer through state pension fund stock holdings. Result: Website gets only light traffic; Pfizer policies unchanged.

2004-05

Big idea: Demands Indian tribes share casino profits with state, suggests Mall of America casino deal with northern tribes if they don't. Result: No change in state gambling policy.

2005

Big idea: Proposes health impact "fee" on tobacco to break budget deadlock, insisting it does not break his no-new taxes pledge. Result: Revenue from fee breaks budget stalemate; fee upheld in court.

2005-06

Big idea: Proposes broad action to deny services to illegal immigrants. Result: No significant change in state policy.

2006-07

Big idea: Announces plan to provide health insurance for all children in Minnesota. Result: Only a minor expansion of coverage is enacted.

2007

Big idea: In wake of bridge collapse, reverses course and says he would consider signing a gas-tax hike. Result: Nothing so far.

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Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

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