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Pawlenty critiques Obama's proposal
Governor releases a list of "things to know about health care in Minnesota" in advance of the president's Saturday visit.
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Gov. Tim Pawlenty sought to share a bit of the health-care spotlight Thursday by criticizing President Obama's overhaul plan in advance of the president's visit to Minnesota.
Pawlenty, a Republican who appears to be laying the groundwork for a possible 2012 presidential run, said Obama's proposed health-care overhaul wrongly focuses on giving more people access to health care. "It needs to be less government-centric and more consumer-centric," Pawlenty said.
Obama's rally Saturday at Minneapolis' Target Center will underscore the health-care message he delivered to the nation Wednesday. The White House said the president will focus on "why we need health-insurance reform and why we need to act now."
On Thursday, Pawlenty released a top 10 list of "things to know about health care in Minnesota," titled "Welcome to Minnesota, President Obama." The list began with: "We can't afford what we already have."
Legislative Democrats who are members of a group that advises the White House on health reform said Pawlenty lacks a stellar record on health care in his own state.
Sen. Linda Berglin, a Minneapolis Democrat, said Democrats have worked with Pawlenty to change public programs, but "the governor and his commissioners have produced no savings as a result of those reforms." She said Pawlenty's only cost-saving proposals for public programs have been to cut services, eligibility or payments to providers.
The governor, a frequent Obama basher on national cable shows, was to discuss health care in a Republican Governors Association telephone briefing Thursday night.
Staff writer Bob Von Sternberg contributed to this article.
Rachel E. Stassen-Berger • 651-292-0164
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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.
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