AM.MN: See Newt say, ‘Run, Tim, run’

Another day, another GOP father figure vouching for Gov. Pawlenty’s presidential prospects. Now it’s Newt Gingrich, who has shared microphones and bylines with Pawlenty, saying T-Paw is “certainly going to be a player. There is every reason he should run. There is wide open field right now.”

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning …

ST. PAUL: Pawlenty approval rating hits skids. But Dem guvs in Iowa and Wisconsin rate even worse. [Smart Politics]

CEDAR: Funding Vikings stadium with slot machines “right thing to do.” At least one Republican legislator thinks so. [St. Paul Pioneer Press]

MOORHEAD: Governor’s closing of 911 call centers a “mistake.” If a tree falls on a man in Northwestern Minnesota, will a dispatcher in Duluth hear it? [Associated Press]

MINNEAPOLIS: October showers bring Al Flowers. The mayoral candidate said he’ll keep campaigning against potholes despite being ticketed for pot. [Star Tribune]

EAGAN: Cougar roams. First droppings near a shooting range (?!) on Yankee Doodle Road, now sightings in the city. [Sun Newspapers]

AUSTIN: Packers win! [Austin Daily Herald]