Pawlenty won't seek a third term

Posted at 10:58 AM on June 2, 2009 by Mike Mulcahy (2 Comments)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. to talk about his future plans. People with knowledge of the governor's plans tell Minnesota Public Radio News that Pawlenty will announce he will not seek re-election next year to a third term.

Pawlenty was first elected in 2002, and narrowly won reelection in 2006.

He campaigned for Republican John McCain last year, and was mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate. There has been speculation that the governor may launch his own run for president in 2012.

The hallmark of his two terms has been his promise to not raise taxes and his often-stated goal to slow the growth in government spending.

When this year's legislative session ended without a budget agreement, Pawlenty said he would use his executive authority to cut spending to balance the budget. He has to cut spending by $2.7 billion to do that, and Democrats have accused him of being unwilling to compromise.

Some names that have been mentioned as possible GOP candidates for governor include former Rep. Jim Ramstad, former State Auditor Pat Anderson, former House Speaker Steve Sviggum, state Sen. Geoff Michel, Sen David Hann, and state Rep. Laura Brod. That list is expected to change as word of the governor's plans gets out.

More than a half dozen Democrats have also said they are either running or considering a run.

Comments (2)

Great. He can trash the state then leave.

How G.W. BUSH of him.

Posted by Ginny | June 2, 2009 11:38 AM

Zero surprise here. But I find it interesting that it happens on the day after Coleman's lawyers looked like some first year law students in front of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Under Pawlenty's and Carey's leadership, the Minnesota Republicans have virtually no leadership. Pawlenty could have led, but chose not to. Now what? They have Marty Seifert? Coleman is their only hope and that, after tying up the courts over nothing for four months trashing his reputation for the sake of the national Republican leadership, is not much hope.

Posted by Jeremy Powers | June 2, 2009 1:36 PM

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