Almanac: At the Capitol

At the State Republican Convention Governor Tim Pawlenty just challenged the Republican Party to have broad appeal and reach out. He told the story of his working class siblings who are all Democrats. And when he pointed out how they had common ground on many issues like education, healthcare and security, he asked them why they weren't Republicans and they said "they're not for the working people." Pawlenty said that "shows the perception we've got to get over." He said Republicans have not done as good a job of making meaningful connections with voters. The New York Times' David Brooks labeled Pawlenty the "godfather of Sam's Club conservatism" and his message today certainly speaks to that. We talked to all of Pawlenty's siblings all at one time he first ran for office, here's part of those profiles.

Pawlenty seemed relaxed and confident, speaking from the hip which he does well. He made a case for his "friend John McCain" and reminded the convention about McCain's service to country telling the story of the prisoner of war stitching an American flag in captivity. He told the convention which has been feisty and divided because of the Ron Paul issue "when the gavel comes down we have to unite."