AM.MN: Against Arne Carlson’s urgings, Pawlenty’s packin’ for Mackinac

After former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson chastised Gov. Tim Pawlenty for traveling when he should be governing, T-Paw’s spokesman grumbled, ”Some people apparently don’t know when it’s time to leave the stage.” But the guv knows when it’s time to leave the state: lunchtime on Saturday, when he’ll address Michigan Republicans at Mackinac Island.

Elsewhere in Minnesota headlines this morning …

ST. PAUL: GOP guv candidates talk cuts. State budget would shrink to 2004 level, welfare would play hard to get. [Associated Press]

ST. PAUL: DFL guv candidates talk taxes. We’ll raise ‘em. So? [Minnesota Public Radio]

ST. PAUL: Mayors want say in guv race. The Coalition for Greater Minnesota Cities may run ads on issues like state-aid cuts. [Associated Press]

ST. PAUL: GOP lodges complaint against St. Paul mayor. Chris Coleman is running for governor off the books, say party leaders. [City Hall Scoop]

ST. PAUL: Pawlenty says state budget not looking so bad. As long as the next governor will stick by his unallotments. [Minnesota Public Radio]

ST. PAUL: Pawlenty needs advice on economy to run for prez. Here are three guys who would be just right. [St. Paul Pioneer Press]