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Pawlenty: GOP victories indicate waning support for Dems in D.C.

The governor predicted yesterday that two Republican wins would be a "pretty good shot across the bow" of the Obama Administration and Democrats in Congress.

November 4, 2009 at 5:17PM

By Eric Roper

Gov. Tim Pawlenty said yesterday that Republican victories in at least two key races this fall would be a strong indicator of the country's dissatisfaction with Democrats in Washington.

Speaking with reporters at an education conference in Washington, the Republican governor put a lot of weight on gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia and a congressional race in upstate New York.

He said their outcome would serve as a "barometer or bellwether of how the country's feeling" and two or more Republican victories would be "a pretty good shot across the bow of the Obama administration and the Democratically-controlled Congress."

It was a fairly safe bet for Pawlenty and was affirmed last night when GOP candidates won in New Jersey and Virginia.

Pawlenty, who is vice-chair of the Republican Governors Association, issued statements on Tuesday evening congratulating the two governors-elect.

On New Jersey's Chris Christie:

"I'm thrilled New Jersey voters have elected Chris Christie to be their next Governor. Chris' election beat all odds and sends a powerful signal that voters want a return to fiscally conservative leadership. Chris' strong message and character convinced the RGA to make his campaign a priority, and I'm thrilled our historic team-effort paid off. I look forward to working with Governor-elect Christie next year."

On Virginia's Bob McDonnell:

"I want to send my congratulations to Bob, Maureen and their family. Bob ran a positive campaign based on the conservative principles of fiscal responsibility and low taxes. Virginians embraced his conservative message, rejecting more taxes, card-check and spending that would hurt economic growth and job creation. I'm especially proud of the RGA's historic role in supporting Bob's effort, and look forward to working with the Governor-Elect next year."