Pawlenty picks conservative candidate over Republican in New York special election

By Rachel E. Stassen-Berger

In a move that underscores Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's attempt to woo the conservative wing of his party nationally, the Republican governor today endorsed the Conservative Party candidate over the Republican candidate today in a New York special election for the U.S. House.

Pawlenty, who released his endorsement first to the conservative Red State blog, said in a statement:

We cannot send more politicians to Washington who wear the Republican jersey on the campaign trail, but then vote like Democrats in Congress on issues like card check and taxes. After reviewing the candidates' positions, I'm endorsing Doug Hoffman in New York's special election. Doug understands the federal government needs to quit spending so much, will vote against tax increases, and protect key values like the right to vote in private in union elections.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, another Republican who may run for president in 2012, last week endorsed Hoffman and Pawlenty received some blow back from conservative Republicans for not following suit. Pawlenty said last week he had not been following the New York special election. That changed pretty quickly by Friday and today Pawlenty made his move to Hoffman.

To read more about Hoffman and his views go here.

Update:

Now even his own fellow Republicans aren't right-wing enough for Governor Tim Pawlenty. Following former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's lead, he has endorsed the Conservative Party candidate in New York's special election. While we know that the Governor will do anything to further his national ambitions, it's still surprising that he endorsed a candidate whom even Newt Gingrich thought was too extreme. Governor Pawlenty has made his bed with the most partisan, extreme members of his party — and he's determined to do and say anything to continue cozying up to them.