Pawlenty said the “bench strength of the Republican Party and conservative movement is incredible,” citing vice presidential prospects for politicians like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
Conservative commentators see an opening for Pawlenty amidst the chaos of the current GOP field, but voters don’t appear to have changed their mind on Pawlenty, according to recent polling.
Pawlenty has endorsed Mitt Romney for the GOP nomination and is scheduled to host a Twin Cities fundraiser for the former Massachusetts governor next month.
Pawlenty hit Perry, without naming him, on Perry’s criticism of Social Security.
The Minnesota Independent covered a variety of issues this week, from in-depth looks at U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann’s inner circle to a state Senate special election primary in Minneapolis.
While his former rivals will still be slogging it out in early primary states, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be wined and dined as a guest speaker on the annual cruise of the National Review.
The campaign hires include Matt Whitaker, formerly Gov. Pawlenty’s Iowa chairman.
Colbert said he hopes Pawlenty’s new position as national co-chair of Romney’s campaign doesn’t interfere with Pawlenty’s other job as “assistant manager of the Route 23 Kinkos.”
Reports are surfacing that the Pawlenty campaign was in debt when the candidate dropped out.
Former U.S. Rep. Vin Weber of Minnesota has also thrown his support to Romney following Pawlenty’s withdrawal.
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