Campaign ’12 / Meet the Candidates


Tim Pawlenty F


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The Candidate at a Glance Name: Tim Pa


Tim Pawlenty


ORMER MINNESOTA GOV. TIM Pawlenty has struggled to distinguish himself from the GOP 2012 pack, despite his sterling record as a conservative, pro-life governor who turned a budget defi cit into a surplus dur- ing his two terms in offi ce. Pawlenty’s golden opportunity came during the New Hampshire debate. The day before, he described the president’s healthcare plan as “Obamneycare.” But he backed away from criticism of GOP front-runner Mitt Romney during the debate, saying the term actually refl ected remarks President Obama had made.


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Perhaps eager to show he can engage in rough-and- tumble politics, Pawlenty took on tea party favorite Rep. Michele Bachmann. When it comes to executive experi- ence, he said, “She doesn’t have it.” So far Pawlenty’s broadside against Bachmann did not appear to boost his standing in the polls. Pundits say he must perform well in Iowa if he hopes to recapture momentum. Pawlenty has invested heavily in Iowa, and as a neighboring-state governor and evangelical Christian, he certainly knows how to appeal to the state’s conservatives. A thoughtful politician of moderate temperament, Pawlenty may also be fi ghting the impression that he


THE LOYAL OPPOSITION By Sean Delonas


Born: NBorn: Nov. 27, 1960 Hom


Hometown: Saint Paul, Minn. S


Spouse: Mary Anderson


Children: Two daughters, Anna and Mara Religion: Baptist/Evangelical


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Education: B.A. in political science, University of Minnesota, 1983; J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, 1986


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Profession: Attorney; elected to Eagan City ouncil 1989; elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, 1992; elected governor of Minnesota, 2002; won re-election, 2006


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would make an ideal vice presidential candidate. It’s a role he nearly snagged in 2008, before Sen. John McCain opted for running mate Sarah Palin.


In the 2012 cycle, Pawlenty would rather be picking a running mate than serving as one. But that will require him to do something he has yet to accomplish this cycle — he’ll have to stand out in a crowd.


Tax Policy:


He says 5 percent annual GDP growth is attainable. There should be two tax brackets: 10 percent for the fi rst $50,000 in income per person, and 25 percent for every- thing above that. Capital gains tax, interest income tax, dividends tax, and the estate tax would be eliminated.


Gay Marriage: Pawlenty supports a constitutional amendment to


defi ne marriage as between a man and a woman. He co- authored a law in Minnesota providing that defi nition.


TARP Bailout: Pawlenty was a reluctant defender of the Troubled Asset Relief Program in 2008, but later said he was rep- resenting the views of GOP nominee Sen. John McCain. In his pre-campaign book, Courage to Stand: An American Story, Pawlenty called TARP “a bad decision.”


Healthcare Reform:


Although he backed off his “Obamneycare” slam against Romney, Pawlenty remains a staunch opponent of Obama’s healthcare reforms.


Abortion:


As governor, Pawlenty signed the Women’s Right to Know Act, providing women information on abortion risks and fetal development.


40 NEWSMAX / SEPTEMBER 2011


© 2011 NEWSMAX MEDIA


PAWLENTY/STAN HONDA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES


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