Oct 07 2009
The Fix Notes Pawlenty in Iowa
From Cillizza
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) will headline an Iowa Republican party event this fall, a trip that will mark his visit to the politically crucial state since he has made clear his interest in pursuing a presidential bid in 2012.
Pawlenty will be the featured guest at the “Leadership for Iowa” gathering on Nov. 7 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where he will appear with the party’s candidates for governor — including, presumably, former Gov. Terry Branstad (R), who formed an exploratory committee for the office today.
“Governor Pawlenty is an innovative, conservative leader and, as Iowa Republicans prepare for a robust gubernatorial primary election and nationally-watched general election for governor, his message of balanced budgets, lower taxes, and market-based reforms for health care and education will resonate with all Iowans,” said Matt Strawn, chairman of the Iowa Republican party.
Pawlenty has made no secret of the fact that he is putting together the pieces of a 2012 political operation. Last week, he announced a political inner circle that included Terry Nelson, former campaign manager for Sen. John McCain’s (Ariz.) presidential bid, former Bush White House political director Sara Taylor and former Republican Governors Association executive director Phil Musser.
