Former Minnesota two-term governor, Tim Pawlenty announced in Iowa that he will indeed seek the presidency in 2012. Many media outlets across the country believe Pawlenty could be a strong runner in the republican primary as his major challengers with similar ideologies appear not to be making a bid. He even secured Huckabee's old campaign manager, Eric Woolson, who signed on board to help the Pawlenty campaign.
Pawlenty stated during his speech earlier this week at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition that if he can win two terms as governor in a liberal state like Minnesota, then he can be a viable candidate for the presidency of the United States. He quoted Frank Sinatra's "New York New York" by saying if he can make it in Minnesota then he can make it anywhere. He is a social conservative candidate that reflects the values of Christian conservatives and he also addresses the fiscal needs that American's are looking for. Pawlenty is married to Mary Pawlenty and they have two daughters, Anna and Mara. Although raised a Roman Catholic, he became an evangelical to match his wife's faith and regularly attends a Baptists church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Pawlenty is a religious conservative and will protect the sanctity of marriage if he were to be president of the United States. He disagrees with civil unions, gay marriage and would reenact the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in the military. As governor he created a 24 wait law for women who apply to have an abortion, which was as much as he could accomplish in such a liberal leaning state. However Pawlenty has stated that the Roe V Wade verdict was ultimately the wrong decision. At a March for Life rally in 2006 he said, "We have a dream today that someday soon this will not be an anniversary of sadness, but an anniversary of justice restored."
The former Minnesota governor also made major strides to reform the budget crisis in his state by cutting spending and programs to ultimately wipe out the state's deficit. In his first term he didn't raise taxes a single cent, but managed to fix a 4.7 billion dollar state deficit. In his second term he cut government waste even further and reduced unnecessary programs to erase nearly 3 billion dollars of debt. His fight wasn't easy making these cuts as he had to face the popular DFL party, a faction of the Democratic Party. He squared off with them on budget concerns causing a shutdown of the state government in 2005.
Governor Pawlenty is in a strong 6th place among Tea Party favorite polls and the top five candidates ranking above him are likely not to run in the 2012 election. Currently Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin House of Representatives Republican is leading the poll; however he has said he will not make a bid in 2012. With many major candidates out of the way, it looks like Pawlenty is in a good position to win the nomination. He has proven that he can capture the votes of more centrist voters, all while appealing to the republican base and that is what it takes to win an election.
Pawlenty stated during his speech earlier this week at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition that if he can win two terms as governor in a liberal state like Minnesota, then he can be a viable candidate for the presidency of the United States. He quoted Frank Sinatra's "New York New York" by saying if he can make it in Minnesota then he can make it anywhere. He is a social conservative candidate that reflects the values of Christian conservatives and he also addresses the fiscal needs that American's are looking for. Pawlenty is married to Mary Pawlenty and they have two daughters, Anna and Mara. Although raised a Roman Catholic, he became an evangelical to match his wife's faith and regularly attends a Baptists church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Pawlenty is a religious conservative and will protect the sanctity of marriage if he were to be president of the United States. He disagrees with civil unions, gay marriage and would reenact the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in the military. As governor he created a 24 wait law for women who apply to have an abortion, which was as much as he could accomplish in such a liberal leaning state. However Pawlenty has stated that the Roe V Wade verdict was ultimately the wrong decision. At a March for Life rally in 2006 he said, "We have a dream today that someday soon this will not be an anniversary of sadness, but an anniversary of justice restored."
The former Minnesota governor also made major strides to reform the budget crisis in his state by cutting spending and programs to ultimately wipe out the state's deficit. In his first term he didn't raise taxes a single cent, but managed to fix a 4.7 billion dollar state deficit. In his second term he cut government waste even further and reduced unnecessary programs to erase nearly 3 billion dollars of debt. His fight wasn't easy making these cuts as he had to face the popular DFL party, a faction of the Democratic Party. He squared off with them on budget concerns causing a shutdown of the state government in 2005.
Governor Pawlenty is in a strong 6th place among Tea Party favorite polls and the top five candidates ranking above him are likely not to run in the 2012 election. Currently Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin House of Representatives Republican is leading the poll; however he has said he will not make a bid in 2012. With many major candidates out of the way, it looks like Pawlenty is in a good position to win the nomination. He has proven that he can capture the votes of more centrist voters, all while appealing to the republican base and that is what it takes to win an election.
About the Author:
Derek Thomas is the editor-in-chief of republican2012.org and is writing the most up-to-date news about the upcoming election. You can give your ideas for the Republican 2012 candidates by writing your opinions on the site. For more Tim Pawlenty information go to 2012 republican presidential candidates.
