2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Tim Pawlenty: “Minnesota Needs Tom Emmer” TV Ad

Governor Tim Pawlenty: “Minnesota Needs Tom Emmer”
 
St. Paul- In a new television advertisement entitled “Tough Choices” released today by the Republican Party of Minnesota, Governor Tim Pawlenty voices his strong support for Tom Emmer.  The new ad contrasts the vision shared by Governor Pawlenty and Representative Emmer for holding the line on taxes with Mark Dayton and Tom Horner’s plans for new job-killing tax increases.  “Tough Decisions” will be emailed to tens of thousands of Republican supporters, grassroots activists, and members of the news media.  “Tough Decisions” will begin airing statewide Monday.

Script for “Tough Decisions”

Governor Pawlenty:

Making tough decisions…

That’s what being governor is all about.

I stood my ground on taxes and now, Minnesota is positioned to lead the nation in job growth.

Only Tom Emmer has promised not to raise job-killing taxes.

Mark Dayton’s plan… raise income taxes.

Tom Horner’s plan…. expand the sales tax to clothes.

Only Tom Emmer’s plan will grow jobs by cutting wasteful government spending and holding the line on taxes.

The choice is clear: Minnesota needs Tom Emmer.

Tim Pawlenty Endorses Michigan Candidates

Tim Pawlenty Endorses Michigan Candidates

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Freedom First PAC endorsed eight Congressional candidates in Michigan today.

“Americans know government spending is out of control,” Pawlenty said. “This fall, Michigan voters will send a message that we’ve had enough. Each of these candidates will fight to hold the line on taxes and cut spending – I’m proud to endorse them.”

The Freedom First PAC will contribute $1,000 to each of the campaigns. The newly endorsed candidates are:

MI-01 - Dan Benishek

MI-02 - Bill Huizenga

MI-04 - Dave Camp

MI-07 - Tim Walberg

MI-09 - Rocky Raczkowski

MI-11 - Thad McCotter

MI-15 - Rob Steele

Tim Pawlenty Statement On House Republicans' "Pledge to America"

Pawlenty Statement on House Republicans' "Pledge to America"

“The American people are saying ‘enough’, and House Republicans are listening. The new 'Pledge To America' promises to stop Washington’s spending spree, reform Congress, and grow jobs – exactly what conservatives should expect from the Republicans we send to Washington.

“I’m especially pleased to see the House Republicans reaffirm their commitment to stopping the Federal takeover of health care. Six months after President Obama signed the legislation, it’s clearer than ever that his reforms fail to control health care costs and only expand access to a broken system. Stopping Obamacare from going into effect must be a top priority of the next Congress.

“To encourage businesses to grow and create jobs, Congress must also stop any tax increases. Democrats are pledging to increase taxes to pay for even bigger government. The House Republicans’ pledge to stop tax increases is welcome news for the millions of Americans seeking jobs.

Hot Air » Tim Pawlenty flooding the zone in New Hampshire

“Pawlenty has already spent considerable time in Iowa, building his organization in the first caucus state of the nomination process.  By getting into the deeper levels of New Hampshire politics and helping Republicans get elected, Pawlenty can build a base of loyal supporters in the second state as well.” by Ed Morrissey

Hot Air » Pawlenty flooding the zone in New Hampshire

Tim Pawlenty Endorses John Raese For West Virgina Senate

Pawlenty Endorses Raese for West Virgina Senate

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Today, Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Freedom First PAC endorsed John Raese to be the next United States Senator from West Virginia, and contributed $2,500 to Raese’s campaign.

“John is a common-sense guy who shares my commitment to stopping out-of-control government spending,” Pawlenty said. “The only way to restore fiscal sanity is by electing conservative leaders like John. As West Virginia’s Senator, John will fight to cut spending, stop tax increases and empower job creators to grow our economy.”

"I am flattered and honored to have the endorsement of Governor Pawlenty, one of the great Republican leaders in our country today," Raese said, "As the Chief Executive of Minnesota, he understands the need to stay within a budget, keep his citizens' taxes low and remove the shackles of government regulation that strangle job growth.

Tim Pawlenty Announces New Hampshire Endorsements

Tim Pawlenty Announces New Hampshire Endorsements

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Freedom First PAC endorsed over 30 candidates in New Hampshire today, including 5 candidates for Executive Council, 24 candidates for State Senate, and all 10 candidates for County Sheriff, continuing his support for common-sense conservative candidates around the country.

The PAC also announced that Governor Pawlenty will return to New Hampshire on September 30 to campaign for two of the newly endorsed candidates, John Stephen and Frank Guinta.

“Voters around the country know government spending is out of control,” Pawlenty said. “This fall, New Hampshire voters will say 'enough' and send a message. Each of these candidates will fight to hold the line on taxes and cut spending – I’m proud to endorse them.”

The Freedom First PAC will make contributions to each of the campaigns. The newly endorsed candidates are:

• John Stephen – NH Governor - $1,000
• Kelly Ayotte – NH Senate - $5,000
• Frank Guinta – NH-01 - $5,000
• Charlie Bass – NH-02 - $5,000

Additionally, the Freedom First PAC is endorsing the following state and local candidates. Each campaign will receive a contribution of $250:

• John Gallus
• Jeanie Forrester
• Jeb Bradley
• Jim Forsythe
• James Danforth
• Fenton Groen
• Andy Sanborn
• Bob Odell
• Ray White
• Tom Eaton
• Peter Bragdon
• Jim Luther
• Gary Lambert
• Sharon Carson
• Chris Wood
• David Boutin
• Jack Barnes
• Tom DeBlois
• Jim Rausch
• Joe Kelly Levasseur
• Peter Angerhofer
• Chuck Morse
• Russell Prescott
• Nancy Stiles

The Freedom First PAC is also endorsing five candidates for NH Executive Council. Each will receive a $500 contribution:

• Ray Burton
• Dan St. Hilaire
• Chris Sununu
• Ray Wieczorek
• David Wheeler

The Freedom First PAC is endorsing several New Hampshire candidates for sheriff, and will contribute $250 to each of their campaigns:

• Christopher Conley
• Craig Wiggin
• Douglas Dutile
• Gerald Marcou
• James Hardy
• Mike Downing
• Mike Prozzo
• Richard Foote
• Scott Hilliard
• Wayne Estes

The Freedom First PAC will also make a contribution to the New Hampshire House Republican Victory PAC.

To date, the Freedom First PAC has endorsed over one hundred candidates since its founding in October 2009. 

StarTribune.com story on choices by @TimPawlenty running nationally

 

Pawlenty running nationally to the right, but which right? | StarTribune.com

White House bid may force him to favor fiscal or social conservatism.

“Mapping out a route to the White House, Gov. Tim Pawlenty appears headed for a fork in the road: One way goes through fiscally conservative New Hampshire, the other through socially conservative Iowa.” By KEVIN DIAZ, Star Tribune

Pawlenty, Weighing Presidential Run, Campaigns in Iowa - NYTimes.com

 

“The scene had all the makings of an American Gothic painting from Iowa’s own Grant Wood. A red and white barn served as the backdrop. A cornfield was in the distance. And a politician spoke of making the country great again.” Jeff Zeleny,New York times

Pawlenty, Weighing Presidential Run, Campaigns in Iowa - NYTimes.com

10 Questions for Gov. Tim Pawlenty - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

 

“Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota concluded a three-day visit to Iowa on Monday, his latest trip to the state that traditionally opens the presidential nominating contest. The Republican was campaigning for local party candidates, but said he planned to decide by early next year whether to run for president in 2012.” by Jeff Zeleny, The Caucus, New York Times

10 Questions for Gov. Tim Pawlenty - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

Pawlenty gets a few moos during trek through Iowa in possible 2012 presidential preview | StarTribune.com

 

Pawlenty gets a few moos during trek through Iowa in possible 2012 presidential preview | StarTribune.com

“Even though he hasn't declared a run for president — a decision he says won't come until 2011 — Pawlenty has been honing his delivery and attempting to connect with opinion leaders in Iowa. The three-day foray that began Saturday was something of a dress rehearsal for next year's run-up to the 2012 caucus, the first step in the nominating process.” By Brian Bakst , Associated Press