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McCain VP Talk Centers on Minn. Gov

'Conservative, rock-n-roll' Pawlenty has been staunch ally

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 18, 2008 9:27 AM CST
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(Newser) – Maybe John McCain “has not spent one second thinking about a running mate,” as one adviser insists, but when he does, many observers expect his attention to turn to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “He’s a conservative, rock-n-roll Republican and is counterintuitive to the party stereotype,” gushed one political hand. He also remained loyal even when McCain looked finished.

Pawlenty is a moderate presiding over a blue state, but he’s trended more conservative as his national ambitions have grown, Politico notes. “He’s a rising star in the party,” said one McCain adviser. His addition might not turn Minnesota red but could put it up for grabs. He’s also 47, no small advantage for a 71-year-old candidate.

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., reacts as he arrives backstage before speaking at a campaign rally at Clawson High School in Clawson, Mich., Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008. At rear right is Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is stumping for McCain. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., reacts as he arrives backstage before speaking at a campaign rally at Clawson High School in Clawson, Mich., Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008. At rear...   (Associated Press)
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty does a TV interview near the site of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in St. Paul, Minn. in this Aug. 5, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty does a TV interview near the site of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in St. Paul, Minn. in this Aug. 5, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., introduces Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during a house party in Lebanon, N.H. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., introduces Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during a house party in Lebanon, N.H. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)   (Associated Press)
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John McCain • conservative • Minnesota • Tim Pawlenty • Republican nomination • McCain 2008 • running mate • vice presidential sweepstakes • moderate

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