The press got a chance to chat with Gov. Pawlenty and because we weren't in his reception room as usual, we got to talk politics (he doesn't like to mix campaign business with state business.) When asked if he will stand by his pledge to serve all four years of his term he said "I'm focused on my job, staying in Minnesota being governor." Then when the AP pressed again if he would stand by the pledge to serve all four years, Pawlenty said "that is my intention." That is different than what he said when he announced he was running for governor when he said he "will" serve his whole term (after saying he "anticipates" and "plans" to serve his term). My father, a former political reporter and longtime campaign observer who lives part of the year in Arizona, thinks Pawlenty might be McCain's pick for attorney general instead of vice president.
Pawlenty said McCain could win Minnesota. That was after he was peppered with questions about John McCain's comments that the 35W bridge fell because of earmarks and misplaced pork projects. Pawlenty says he shares the concern that "earmarking is a flawed process" but as for the technical reason the bridge fell, the NTSB should have the final say. Senate Transportation Chair Steve Murphy just told the press McCain's comments were "plain out disgusting" and he owes the state an apology.
BTW, notice TPAW got a trim. The mullet is gone!