pawlenty082909
On the homepage
Sunday's paper
Out There
Gardens
Scanners
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Pawlenty sets out criteria for making his big decision
On the national scene, Gov. Tim Pawlenty admits most people don't know him. But he continues to test his message.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he still isn't sure whether he will run for president in 2012 but on Friday set out one of the criteria that will guide his decision.
"One thing I would use as a measurement is: 'To what extent is the message that I'm conveying, both here and nationally, making a difference,'" the Republican said. "Do people support it? Do they find it helpful? Is it something they want to see advanced? Do they want me to be the one to advance it?"
Earlier this week, he told Bloomberg Television that he "would consider" running for president if his message got traction.
Pawlenty said Friday that "sharing my ideas" is among his current priorities, along with faith, family and finishing his term well.
The two-term governor has traveled outside of Minnesota to share those ideas often of late and has at least two more trips planned. He'll go to New Jersey to campaign for GOP candidate for governor Chris Christie and, in mid-September, will travel to Florida to speak to a national Republican women's group.
Asked Friday if his message had gotten traction so far, he said: "I don't know. Most people don't even know who I am."
And the outcome of the speechifying?
"Maybe at the end of that I'll say, 'I gave it my time, I provided the energy and ideas and advocacy and leadership that I could, and it is time to go on to something else,'" he said.
Pawlenty said that he and his campaign aides have been calling nonprofits to arrange donations from his leftover state campaign money as part of the process of closing his gubernatorial campaign committee.
He will also give some cash or campaign assets to GOP groups. But, he said, he doesn't have plans to give any of it to the candidates currently running to replace him.
After that state committee is shut down, he said he'll look into setting up a federal fund-raising committee.
Rachel E. Stassen-Berger • 651-292-0164
Recent State Politics stories
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - August 28, 2009
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lawyers got a judge's green light, and funding was restored to a state nutrition program. More
- Pawlenty: Keep sex offenders in prison
- Bill helps consumers against debt buyers
- Senate passes $1 billion bonding bill
- Pawlenty defends budget cuts
- $78.5M to stop carp invasion
- Pawlenty plays courier for Texas donor
- Pawlenty hints at stadium solution
- Pawlenty: Don't touch my budget power
- What do politicians call a gorilla? Anything but
- Teachers union buys air time to urge funding
Current state office holders
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.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds
Open positions!
A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now!
Save Money With E-mail Offers
Sign up to receive FYI Offers e-mail containing specials from local businesses.
Win tickets to Omnifest 2010 at the Science Museum of Minnesota's Omnitheater.Vita.mn presents Omnifest 2010 at the Science Museum of Minnesota's Omnitheater from Jan. 29 through March 11. |
Comment on this story | Read all 70 comments | Hide reader comments