Capitol View: December 4, 2009 Archive

Pawlenty hires McCain finance chief for PAC

Posted at 11:20 AM on December 4, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has made another key addition to his Freedom First political action committee.

A news release from his PAC today says Brian Haley will serve as finance director. Haley has held the same job for Sen. John McCain's Country First PAC. Here's the release:

ST. PAUL, Minnesota - Brian Haley will be the Finance Director for Governor Tim Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC, adding to a growing team of senior advisors and staff. Haley is currently the National Finance Director for John McCain's Country First PAC after serving as the Deputy Finance Director for McCain-Palin 2008.

"As we prepare for the critical 2010 elections, Brian's unique experience will help the Freedom First PAC elect conservative candidates," Pawlenty said. "Brian did outstanding work on the McCain campaign last year; his energy and passion will be a good fit on the Freedom First team."

As the Deputy National Finance Director for McCain-Palin 2008, Haley helped plan and execute the Republican candidate's national strategy. In that capacity, he helped manage the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, which included organizing a national giving and donor recognition program, recruiting and working with the campaign's finance leadership, and managing a nationwide staff.

"Brian's work on the McCain campaign distinguished him as one of the bright young stars in conservative politics," Freedom First co-chair Bill Strong said. "His national experience and knowledge will help us tap into the great well of enthusiasm we're finding for Tim Pawlenty's message."

In addition to his professional and educational experience, Haley has spent time volunteering for political and charitable organizations in India, Zambia, Brazil, Israel and Russia. He is currently finishing his law degree and will receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law later this month.

"I'm humbled by the opportunity to join Governor Pawlenty's team and excited about his vision to support strong Republican candidates and advance conservatives values around the country," Haley said.

Two mayors want special session on budget deficit

Posted at 12:05 PM on December 4, 2009 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Tim Pawlenty

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden are calling for a special legislative session to address the projected $1.2 billion deficit in the state's current two-year budget.

The two mayors issued a news release today, just two days after state officials detailed the shortfall. Gov. Tim Pawlenty said this week that he might have to unallot a portion of the December local government aid payments. That's a move the mayors want to avoid.

"Minnesota cities are so close to the financial edge that any reduction in the December funding will spell disaster in the form of closed libraries, deeper cuts to police and fire protection and a sharp reduction in critical services, like winter snowplowing," Coleman and Wolden wrote. "This is one of the most challenging times Minnesota has ever faced, with high unemployment and virtually no economic growth. Another hit to cities will cripple our communities and the effects will only worsen the state's economy. A special session is the only reasonable, rational and responsible option. There has never been a greater time for state leaders to drop political slogans and petty disagreements and come together to address the long-term financial needs of our state."

Where will Pawlenty cut?: "Pretty much everywhere."

Posted at 5:02 PM on December 4, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Pawlenty was on Fox News today to talk about Minnesota's budget problem and federal finances. When asked where he'll cut spending to balance the budget, he replied "pretty much everywhere." He said he'll work to protect military and veterans services, public safety and "perhaps and probably K12 education but most everything else will have to be reduced."

The interview is softball city but did raise one question: Will Pawlenty refuse federal money if a second stimulus goes through (especially since he said the federal government is running a "Ponzi scheme")?

You can watch the interview here.

Pawlenty heads south

Posted at 5:06 PM on December 4, 2009 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Pawlenty heads to South America on Saturday as a part of a 44 person trade mission. AP has an interesting analysis on Pawlenty's international travel and how it could help him, if in fact he decides what his future holds and runs for the White House in 2012.

Here's a look at the map of his out of state travel since he announced he wasn't running for a third term as governor in June.

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