Posted on 08/28/2008 9:32:58 PM PDT by freespirited
I'm confident enough to put this up now, but willing to be wrong.
Right now though, every sign, signal, and background chatter indicates John McCain will pick Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota's governor, as his running mate.
UPDATE: A source close to the campaign now confirms for me that it "more likely than not" is Pawlenty. He does, however, caution me that the campaign does not actually want to leak tonight lest the Obama camp get too much of a chance to play the victim card with a sympathetic media.
Below the fold, I've compiled data on Pawlenty that you might find useful.
Recognized as a pro-life leader by “Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life”
Has appointed judicial conservatives to the bench, and recently drew praise from pro-life advocates for his appointment of Eric Magnuson as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
Fought for and signed pro-life measures including: Woman’s Right to Know (requiring 24 hour waiting period and required information be provided before an abortion), a fetal pain awareness act (requiring notice and information regarding pain experienced by fetuses) and positive alternatives to abortion act (providing funding and support for organizations promoting alternatives to abortion).
Believes life begins at conception
Strong desire to overturn Roe v. Wade
Opposes embryonic stem-cell research while supporting adult stem cell research
Achieved long-standing state goal of moving Minnesota out of the top ten highest taxed states according to the U.S. Census Bureau
In 2003, resolved the largest budget deficit in state history and the largest budget deficit in the nation at the time (as percent of state budget) without raising taxes
Vetoed all bills which increased taxes, including setting single session record for vetoes (34) by a Minnesota Governor
Supported Performance Pay for politicians, which would dock the pay of state office holders if a balanced budget is not passed by the constitutional deadline
Has keep state employment roles essentially flat during his 5+ years in office.
Proposed and signed into law welfare reform that requires able-bodied people to seek work
As majority leader in Minnesota legislature, fought for and achieved historic tax cuts.
Supports an Initiative and Referendum Amendment to the state constitution to empower citizens to make and repeal laws
Cracked down on meth dealers and sex offenders with tougher penalties
Required released sex offenders to wear GPS tracking bracelets
Proposed re-introducing the death penalty in Minnesota
Fought for and signed conceal-carry legislation
Strongly supported and endorsed by the NRA
Required visa expiration dates printed on driver licenses for legal resident aliens
Blocked passage of the DREAM Act which would have allowed in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
Fought Minneapolis and St. Paul ‘sanctuary’ laws, which prevent police and other city agencies from inquiring about immigrations status
Proposed state law enforcement task force to crack down on illegal immigration
Proposed state fines for the hiring of illegal workers
Proposed increased penalties for using false identification documents
Developed and implemented nation-leading reforms in education, including performance pay for teachers.
Strong supporter of school choice.
We could do worse.
We could do worse.
__________________________
I don’t see how.
already posted and locked tonight. It ain’t him.
Sounds good to me.
Can he fair well in a ‘street fight’ with Biden during the debates?
Where is his view on the Iraq War?
Pawlenty needs to trademark this slogan.
This guy Plenty, or whatever his name is, is a weakling. Biden’s going to have him for lunch.
Pawlenty as VP=Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
FWIW: Sources on the blog fivethirtyeight.com are saying it is NOT Pawlenty.
I’ve heard the guy is sharp. I think he could along with Romney decimate the smiling, condescending Biden in short order.
And not just on points but on substance and image altogether.
I see Biden blowing up in a debate against anyone with quality. On that score, I believe Romney would absolutely destroy Biden.
But let’s wait and see. Shoot I can destroy Biden too. But that’s just me.
Palin be interesting. I prefer Mitt of course, but Palin sounds like she would be impressive.
I live in Minnesota and I am grateful for the job he has done and have full confidence in him.
Especially the CCW part and balancing a 4 billion plus deficit without raising taxes.
He's my damn hero for those alone.
Quote: “This guy Plenty, or whatever his name is, is a weakling. Biden’s going to have him for lunch.”
Oh please, a dead chipmunk could out debate Biden. The man is a zero.
I just don’t know how he’s going to get through by bringing a virtually unknown name as the VP nominee? Most of us don’t know who most of the potentials really are. It’s too close to the election for us to start from scratch — at least those of us who know that the VP can easily become POTUS....
I just hope it’s someone with a proven track record who doesn’t have a love child hidden in a hotel somewhere...
I don’t think it will be Palin. They are running a campaign attacking Obama’s experience. Then they put a 44 year old into her second year as governor of a far away state? Give her a little more time on the job, and we will see her. But, I don’t think it is Sarah’s time, no matter how much the men on Free Republic think she is a hottie.
Pawlenty is an absolute nobody. What a stupid choice, if he makes it (please God, no).
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