Tim Pawlenty
Tim Pawlenty is the current governor of Minnesota. He is a Republican. He was elected in 2002, taking the place of Jesse Ventura. Pawlenty has had high approval rating during his governorship[1]. He balanced the state budget with out breaking his pledge not to raise taxes. He also improved education in the state. He was reelected in 2006, beating DFL candidate Mike Hatch in a close election.[2] Pawlenty is from Minnesota, and was educated in law at the University of Minnesota. He was a criminal prosecutor and ten-year member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Pawlenty also spent four years as House Majority Leader. There have been reports that Pawlenty might be in consideration for the vice-presidential spot with John McCain, but Pawlenty has denied these.
Political Record
Pawlenty is generally liked by social conservatives based on his voting record as a legislator and his statements against abortion and in favor of traditional marriage. But as governor of Minnesota, Pawlenty needlessly granted the wish of Planned Parenthood to change the warning by Minnesota's Department of Health concerning how abortion increases the risk of breast cancer. Pawlenty did this without accepting public comment on the issue.[3]