The Fix: T-Paw lucky not to land VP spot

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza has released his latest top-ten list of Republicans across the country who could be key players in the coming years. After failing to make the cut in November, Gov. Tim Pawlenty lands in sixth place. Here’s Cillizza’s take:

6. Tim Pawlenty: In retrospect, T-Paw being passed over as John McCain‘s vice presidential pick might have been the best thing that ever happened to the Minnesota governor. He can now make a clean break from the GOP of 2000-2008 and offer his Wal-Mart Republican message as the cure for what ails the party. Pawlenty allies point to his state of the state address as a blueprint for where the party could go nationally in these tight economic times: increased funding for education, a cut in business taxes and a shrinking of state government. (Previous ranking: N/A)