Pawlenty won't run for President in 2008

[UrbScotty]

MINNESOTA (AND P2008). In a surprisingly candid interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) said that the Republican Party is "on the ropes" nationally and that he doesn't plan to run for President in 2008. "I'll be lucky to get re-elected Governor in Minnesota next year ... My only political plans are to get re-elected next year, and I hope that I do," said an unusually pessimistic Pawlenty. A recent independent poll showed Pawlenty with a 48% approval rating and a 45% disapproval rating with Minnesota voters. He acknowledged being a Republican and Bush supporter in Minnesota could be very damaging next year. "Things aren't going well for the President or the Republican Party nationally. That's fairly obvious ... But politics is smarmy enough without people bailing out on friends just because times are tough. That's a weenie move. I'm not going to run away like a little chicken from President Bush because he's unpopular," explained Pawlenty. He has frequently been mentioned as a dark horse White House hopeful in the '08 contest. Pawlenty's comments came the same day Attorney General Mike Hatch (D) announced his candidacy for Governor. In response to Hatch's entry and immediate SEIU labor endorsement, former State Representative Bud Philbrook (D) -- the first Dem to jump into the contest several months ago -- immediately ended his campaign.

www.politics1.com

[Eric J in MN]

1. How can 48% approve of Pawlenty? For doing what? (nt)

nt

[Hawkeye-X]

2. He's history.

All Republicans are history. 2006 will be the day of reckoning for Democrats.

[jobycom]

6. I've heard that before

I hope it's true this time. I'm worried that Dems are in that "magic wand" mode again, where we expect some major scandal to remove them all and allow us to waltz into office. They can have 30% approval ratings and still win if we don't give voters a reason to trust us instead.

Not trying to be pessimistic, just trying to get people fired up for an intense fight in 2006.

[Carolab]

3. PRESIDENT????

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[JI7]

4. fuck him

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, how fucking brave he is, standing by the piece of shit. dumb fucking asshole. seems like he is looking to get a job in the Bush administration when he loses re-election next year.

[punpirate]

5. Gee, that leaves the `pug field for president wide open...

... for Mitt Romney.

I'm so excited. *yawn*

[jobycom]

7. Oh, there are...(ahem)... pawlenty of other candidates available.

:rofl: God I crack myself up! :rofl: Sigh.

[UrbScotty]

9. Yeah, but consider this:

Only Allen, Brownback, and Barbour are qualified.

McCain and Hagel hate Bush; Frist likes stem-cell research; anxs Romney is from 'Taxachusetts'.

[jobycom]

10. Well, that sure stopped the joyfullness

Although Barbour isn't well liked in Mississippi, even, from what my parents say. At one point they were talking about recalling him, and that was before Katrina.

[ISUGRADIA]

8. Boo Hoo Hoo

It would have been hard running in 08 anyway having been booted out of office by Minnesotans in 2006 anyway.