Timothy Pawlenty
Tim Pawlenty, a former Republican governor of Minnesota, had a notable political career that spanned over two decades. He served as the state’s governor from 2003 to 2011, implementing conservative policies and overseeing major public works projects. Pawlenty also ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 but withdrew early on in the race.
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Tim Pawlenty is an American attorney, businessman, and politician who served as the 39th governor of Minnesota from 2003 to 2011. He was a member of the Republican Party and also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003.
As governor, Tim Pawlenty reformed Minnesota’s education system, passed a concealed carry law, and codified a 24-hour wait period before receiving an abortion. His administration also advocated for notable public works projects, including the construction of the Northstar Commuter Rail Line and Target Field.
To address Minnesota’s large budget deficit, Tim Pawlenty cut funds from state programs and instituted ,user fees, to avoid raising taxes. He was able to eliminate the budget deficit in his first term, but it returned as a result of the Great Recession in 2007.
Prior to becoming governor, Tim Pawlenty served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003, including as House Majority Leader from 1999 to 2003. He was elected to the governorship in 2002 and reelected in 2006.
Tim Pawlenty was rumored to be a contender for both the Republican presidential and vice-presidential nominations in the 2008 election, and he went on to co-chair John McCain’s unsuccessful 2008 campaign. Pawlenty also ran for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2012 election, but his campaign fell short of expectations and he withdrew early on.
In 2018, Tim Pawlenty sought a third term as governor of Minnesota, with Michelle Fischbach as his running mate. However, he lost the Republican primary to Jeff Johnson, ending his gubernatorial career.
Yes, as of 2024, Tim Pawlenty is the last Republican to serve as governor of Minnesota.
11 Quotes by Timothy Pawlenty
- 1.
The only thing growing faster than the federal government’s deficit is Chris Matthews’ man-crush on Barack Obama.
Timothy Pawlenty - 2.
Medicaid is essentially bankrupt, Medicare is essentially bankrupt, why the heck would we give the federal government another entitlement program to manage?
Timothy Pawlenty - 3.
We need to be calling out the flaws and misguided decisions of the Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration.
Timothy Pawlenty - 4.
The unions and the auto companies have been unable to put a deal together that fundamentally restructures the industry. It needs to get done. The only way it’s really going to get done is in bankruptcy court. They should have done it six months ago they should do it now.
Timothy Pawlenty - 5.
It appears that President Obama is making great progress on climate change, he is changing the political climate in the country back to Republican.
Timothy Pawlenty - 6.
Keeping a lid on taxes is not just good for the taxpayer. It’s a powerful way to force government to be more accountable, set priorities and spend smarter. Let me repeat that: more accountable, set priorities and spend smarter – that’s what we need to be about.
Timothy Pawlenty - 7.
A great deal has been said about my commitment not to raise taxes. It’s a core value – it’s common sense – it’s important to keeping and growing jobs – and it’s mainstream!
Timothy Pawlenty - 8.
History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history, they’ve answered the call in bravery and sacrifice.
Timothy Pawlenty - 9.
The reason that the unions and the other stakeholders have not cut a deal with the automakers is because they believe the federal government is going to bail them out.
Timothy Pawlenty - 10.
The rising cost of prescription drugs has sparked a prairie fire that is spreading across our nation.
Timothy Pawlenty - 11.
In my address last year, I spoke on the issue of gaming. My preference then is my preference now: to keep gaming within its existing contours, but to explore a better deal for all Minnesotans.
Timothy Pawlenty