AM.MN: He might micromanage, but Prez T-Paw’d give a hilarious malaise speech

Were he elected president, Gov. Pawlenty would micromanage just like Jimmy Carter did, says Republican state Rep. Jim Abeler. That prediction is based on Abeler’s observation of Pawlenty laboriously tweaking inconsequential text in legislation. The question voters will want to consider is whether T-Paw would insist on writing his own jokes.

Elsewhere in Minnesota headlines this morning …

STATEWIDE: 444,000 Minnesotans have no health insurance. We know this thanks to people who answered questions from the U.S. Census. [Associated Press]

RED WING: More nukes! Today is the last day for public comment on Xcel’s plan to expand at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant. [Associated Press]

DOUGLAS COUNTY: Alexandria’s plans for law enforcement building beckon. It makes sense for county to join the project but some commissioners resist because “we are strapped.” [Alexandria Echo Press]

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA: Regents want state to pay for a “clean room.” It’s needed for nanotechnology research. [Associated Press]

ST. PAUL: Truck wrecks Tiger Jack’s shack. Store owner Lucky Rosenbloom, a candidate for school board, was away momentarily and unhurt. [St. Paul Pioneer Press]

WORTHINGTON: State’s top military man will speak at King Turkey Day. Major General Larry W. Shellito will stand and deliver, but he won’t have time to gobble at the mayor’s brunch. [Worthington Daily Globe]