Governor Pawlenty did not do a pre-session press conference this year, so today reporters tracked him down at MPR to help set the stage for the upcoming legislative session. He was playful and pleasant, even revealing that his casual clothing was thanks to a long morning shoveling snow. On the budget, he said a negotiated settlement with lawmakers is preferable. His budget will have "targeted cuts" and will try to preserve public safety, military and even education. Pawlenty said there are not easy choices left and his cuts will be "controversial and difficult." Pawlenty also floated a new lottery game as an option for funding a Vikings stadium.
The governor also said with so many candidates for governor in the legislature (particularly front-runners Kelliher, Seifert and Emmer in the House) "it will be difficult for candidates for governor with a convention in April having to tow the party line." Pawlenty added that all the campaigns put a lot of pressure on individuals and will "make the session more difficult." He wouldn't say when he'll endorse a candidate, but added that he knows and likes Seifert and Emmer.
When asked essentially about his potential presidential campaign schedule Pawlenty said "a lot of travel I do is on nights and weekends" and his focus will be on Minnesota. However with his PAC doing well he will continue to "travel to speak to issues in other states... and to get candidates elected." Hear more tonight on our first Almanac: At the Capitol of the year at 7pm on the Minnesota Channel and 10pm on TPT2.