RealClearPolitics Veep Watch

RCP Staff

June 20, 2008

Debating Pawlenty

After making the case for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty yesterday, Chris Cillizza makes the case against him today – which boils down to the following:

1) he isn't well known nationally

2) he has a weak political organization (he couldn't even deliver the state for McCain on Feb 5th)

3) he doesn't appeal to a natural Republican constituency like Evangelicals (who favor Huckabee) or fiscal conservatives (who favor Romney)

Cillizza doesn't mention that Pawlenty survived in 2006 by the skin of his teeth, winning only 47% of the vote. He trailed in the polls just before election, and was saved from being a one and done Governor thanks to a meltdown by his DFL opponent Mike Hatch.

Regardless, it's debatable whether Minnesota will be within McCain's reach with or without Pawlenty on the ticket.

RealClearPolitics Veep Watch

RCP Staff

June 20, 2008

Debating Pawlenty

After making the case for Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty yesterday, Chris Cillizza makes the case against him today – which boils down to the following:

1) he isn’t well known nationally

2) he has a weak political organization (he couldn’t even deliver the state for McCain on Feb 5th)

3) he doesn’t appeal to a natural Republican constituency like Evangelicals (who favor Huckabee) or fiscal conservatives (who favor Romney)

Cillizza doesn’t mention that Pawlenty survived in 2006 by the skin of his teeth, winning only 47% of the vote. He trailed in the polls just before election, and was saved from being a one and done Governor thanks to a meltdown by his DFL opponent Mike Hatch.

Regardless, it’s debatable whether Minnesota will be within McCain’s reach with or without Pawlenty on the ticket.