Pawlenty's new duties include getting GOP governors elected

Posted at 10:46 AM on July 27, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be in the thick of efforts to elect Republican governors in 2010. Pawlenty, who is not seekinga third term, was selected as the new vice chairman of the Republican Governor's Association. Here's today's RGA news release:

The Republican Governors Association announced today that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has been elected vice-chairman of the organization. Governor Pawlenty will work closely with RGA Chairman Haley Barbour to ensure that Republicans running in the 39 upcoming governor elections will have the resources and support they need to win.

"Governor Pawlenty has been a leader in the effort to grow the Republican Party beyond our traditional base while remaining true to our principles," said RGA Chairman Haley Barbour. "His firsthand knowledge of how to win in a so-called purple state will be a major asset to the RGA. I look forward to working closely with Governor Pawlenty to win back the majority of governorships for the GOP."

As states around the country face historic budget deficits, Governor Pawlenty was selected for the post because of his successful record of controlling taxes and spending in Minnesota over his two terms as governor. As vice chair, Governor Pawlenty will work with the RGA's donors and campaign on the behalf of Republican candidates.

"Electing fiscally responsible governors is the most important task facing our party between now and the end of 2010," Governor Pawlenty said. "Winning these races is key to rebuilding the GOP and strengthening our economy. I'm especially excited to work with Governor Barbour, who helped rebuild our party in the 1990s. We have a tremendous opportunity to transform the political map."

Comments (1)

So Pawlenty’s got another “new” job.
Anyone remember this criticism directed at Governors who do not seek re-election ?

“And so, as I thought about this announcement, that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what that means for Alaska, I thought about, well, how much fun some governors have as lame ducks. They maybe travel around their state, travel to other states, maybe take their overseas international trade missions. So many politicians do that. And then I thought, that’s what wrong. Many just accept that lame duck status and they hit the road, they draw a paycheck, they kind of milk it, and I’m not going to put Alaskans through that.”

Although Palin may be an “odd duck”, Pawlenty is a shrewd strategist that will not leave his power position even if others call it a “lame duck” period. Pawlenty realizes that he can “hit the road” visiting other states political infrastructure (shaking hands and getting to know the county party leaders and the big donors) while still using the title Governor of Minnesota.
Does anyone else remember during the Penny-Moe-Pawlenty-Pentel the questioning and criticism of Ventura’s travels and “other jobs”, Pawlenty promised that being Governor would be his only job … that lasted as long as it took for WCCO to offer air time.

The fact that RGA group has such a weak bench that they have a lame duck chairman and lame duck vice-chairman should tell voters that even Republican Governors do not think much of Bobby Jindhl, Mitch Daniels, Mike Rounds, etc.

Posted by Minnesota Central | July 28, 2009 9:29 AM

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