Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, a Republican from Texas, for months has said favorable, or favorable-ish, things about Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 2012 chances. The thrust of his comments seems to be: I don't know him, so maybe he's okay. Question: How long can Pawlenty, who has been in public office for decades, work the fresh face angle?
In December, he said: "I think there are people vying and becoming emergent as who can be the most effective voice. My own view is that (Minnesota Governor Tim) Pawlenty is the person standing on the safest ground. He has no major disappointments behind him. He has the chance to create a fresh new public understanding of who he is and what he stands for. Right now you have to put him there."
In January, he said Pawlenty is a fresh face and could fit the mold of what the conservative base is looking for.
And, most recently, he told U.S. News and World Report of Pawlenty: "I've had my eye on [Minnesota Gov. Tim] Pawlenty because Pawlenty has the opportunity to be a blank slate."
