On CNN, Pawlenty criticizes Obama's health care law

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says a repeal of health care legislation pushed by the Obama administration would be the cornerstone of his platform if he were to declare a run for president.

Pawlenty's comments came during an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday morning.

"I think Obamacare is one of the worst pieces of legislation passed in the modern history of the country," Pawlenty said. "I hope between now and 2014, when it's kicked in, that as many states as possible do what they can to reel that program back in or that the new Republican Congress, better yet, can repeal it."

The governor said Tuesday's election results show voters have rejected Democrats, but he said that doesn't necessarily mean they've affirmed Republican policies. Instead, the election gave Republicans a second chance to give voters what they want, he said.

Pawlenty has long hinted at a 2012 presidential bid, but he said he isn't concerned by polls that show he has little support.

"A lot of those early polls -- whether it's me running or somebody else -- reflect familiarity, name ID, and you see front runners in the past with similar situations that change over time," Pawlenty said.

Pawlenty reiterated he wouldn't make a decision on a run for president until early next year. He has pledged to stay in his current office until a winner in the gubernatorial race is named.

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