2002-03
Big idea: Took no-new taxes pledge, promising not to raise state levies. Result: Pledge made a powerful campaign theme, and Pawlenty pushed through a belt-tightening budget in his first year, balancing a record shortfall without state tax hikes. 2003
Big idea: Proposed restoring Minnesota's death penalty in the wake of the Dru Sjodin murder. Result: Lack of legislative support quickly killed the plan. 2004
Big idea: Declares war on high prescription drug prices; crosses FDA by launching state website for Canadian drug purchases; attempts to pressure drug giant Pfizer through state pension fund stock holdings. Result: Website gets only light traffic; Pfizer policies unchanged. 2004-05
Big idea: Demands Indian tribes share casino profits with state, suggests Mall of America casino deal with northern tribes if they don't. Result: No change in state gambling policy. 2005
Big idea: Proposes health impact "fee" on tobacco to break budget deadlock, insisting it does not break his no-new taxes pledge. Result: Revenue from fee breaks budget stalemate; fee upheld in court. 2005-06
Big idea: Proposes broad action to deny services to illegal immigrants. Result: No significant change in state policy. 2006-07
Big idea: Announces plan to provide health insurance for all children in Minnesota. Result: Only a minor expansion of coverage is enacted. 2007
Big idea: In wake of bridge collapse, reverses course and says he would consider signing a gas-tax hike. Result: Nothing so far.
