Pawlenty Mum On '12, Says He'll Follow Court Decision On Senate Race
After announcing he won't seek re-election, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) dodged questions about a potential presidential bid in 2012. But he certainly made a subtle case for such a run, arguing that the Republican Party needs "new ideas and new faces."
Pawlenty said his immediate focus would be finishing his term and helping elect a Republican to succeed him in 2010. "As time and circumstances allow, I'm going to try to lend voice to the need to raise issues and ideas for my party here and elsewhere if I'm asked," he added.
The 48-year-old governor said he wants to play a role in helping the GOP determine its future course, saying he'll work to "develop new ideas" and "new energy in the party."
"It's gotta be a party that can accommodate both Colin Powell and Rush Limbaugh if we're going to be successful," he said. "It's not either or, it's both. We need to be a party of addition and not subtraction. I think I can help with that effort."
Pawlenty said he "absolutely" thinks he would have won a third term if he chose to run, citing a Rasmussen poll that showed his approval rating is relatively high, especially for a governor who represents a state "that's opposite of their party." He also referred to a SurveyUSA poll that showed him leading all potential Democratic opponents.
Pawlenty even put his hockey credentials up against that hockey mom from Alaska, joking at one point that it was his dream to be an NHL defenseman but "having no skill, it's tough." There is, he added, an opening to coach the Minnesota Wild.
The Republican said he still had energy left, but thought two terms was enough. "A little less is better than too much," he said, adding that he wanted to give other Republicans ample time to consider the race. He said it was important for another Republican to follow him because the state needs a check on the Democratic-controlled legislature. "Katie bar the door, it's going to be a real runaway train of problems" if Democrats controlled both, he said. Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau (R) said that while she hasn't given it much thought, she likely won't run.
Pawlenty took a significant number of questions, both from reporters in the room and via telephone. He was asked about whether his decision might impact the ongoing Minnesota Senate election dispute; he needs to sign on to a certification of election.
"I think you guys have really overbaked that issue. You're really spinning out of control on it," he said. "I'm going to do whatever the court says. When the court decides that issue - as soon as I'm directed or required to sign that certificate, I will. I'm not going to hold it up or delay it in any fashion. That presents no problem for me at all."
Next up for the governor: He said he's speaking to College Republicans in Washington this Friday.