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Pawlenty: Minnesota Shutdown Is a Good Thing

Ex-governor says state could benefit in the long run

By Tim Karan,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 1, 2011 1:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – Anarchists are saying, "Now you're talking." Former Minnesota governor and GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty says the government shutdown in his state could be a good thing, and he wishes a similar shutdown in 2005 would have lasted longer, reports Politico. “I think it was nine days [of shutdown] at that time," says Pawlenty. "I think we could have gotten a better deal if we had allowed that to continue for a while and the people of Minnesota would have seen the issues play out a little longer."

Pawlenty—who left office in January—claims no responsibility in the state's $5 billion deficit and blames Democrats for increased spending and taxes. DNC communications director Brad Woodhouse isn't convinced. "He failed Minnesota as governor and now he’s trying to cover his tracks," he says. "If he wants to hold a press conference criticizing someone, he should start with himself.”

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says his state's government shutdown could be a good thing.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says his state's government shutdown could be a good thing.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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The equivalence is this: Both in ‘05 and now—you had Democrats demanding that we raise taxes and raise spending. - Tim Palwenty

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 34 comments
DanPB
Jul 3, 2011 1:09 PM CDT
I wish the "a-hole" would get a real man's haircut.  What makes him think he's qualified to run the country?
cornelison
Jul 2, 2011 2:00 PM CDT
Mr. Pawlenty, a true leader takes at least part of the blame.  As a die-hard liberal, I expect The President to do likewise.
Dezfan
Jul 2, 2011 12:29 PM CDT
Minneapolis Star, published a poll yesterday, the results show 79% of Mn. voters blame the GOP legislators for the shut down only 24%the Governor. Looks like big problems coming for the GOP in Minnesota, not unlike so many others. 2012 will be a GOP bloodbath. Mr Plenty has absolutely no common sense, it' hilarious he thinks he's qualified to be president.
 

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