Breaking: Pawlenty endorses Romney in GOP race
posted at 8:45 am on September 12, 2011 by Ed Morrissey
Eeeeeeeenteresting. I have to admit that I didn’t see this coming:
Tim Pawlenty is endorsing Mitt Romney for president.
That’s the word from Romney’s campaign. …
In an email to supporters sent by the Romney campaign early Monday, Pawlenty says that Romney alone — quote — possesses the unique qualifications to confront and master our severe economic predicament.
So who’s up for a Romney-Pawlenty ticket in November 2012?
In the 2007-8 cycle, Pawlenty was one of the earliest endorsers of John McCain. I recall interviewing the Governor in February 2007 about his early-adopter position, announced before McCain had even become an official candidate. At the time, there was speculation that Pawlenty had positioned himself for the #2 spot on the ticket, and he apparently stayed on the short list until McCain picked Sarah Palin.
This time around, Pawlenty has a more realistic shot at an offer — but he might have appealed to more than just Romney, too. If Perry wins the nomination, he’ll need some regional diversity and a Washington outsider to run with him, just as Romney does. So why not just keep the powder dry, if you’re Pawlenty? In fact, why not wait at least until more towards the end of the debate cycle to make a decision, when it will become a little more clear where the race is heading?
Making this even more intriguing, Pawlenty’s turning point in this race came when he refused to restate his attack on R0mney’s health-care reform plan (“ObamneyCare”) in a national debate. How will Pawlenty reconcile his earlier position with his endorsement now? The answer should be interesting — and entertaining.
Update: Pawlenty’s endorsement just went live at NRO:
Fortunately, America may get a second chance: Mitt Romney is running for president, and I am proud to endorse him.
Alone among the contenders, he possesses the unique qualifications to confront and master our severe economic predicament. His abiding faith in our country’s exceptional historical position as a beacon of freedom will make him the most important leader in a world that depends upon a strong America to stay at peace.
Having served as governor of Massachusetts, he turned that state’s budget around from deficit to surplus while simultaneously cutting taxes, but that is not the full measure of what he will bring to the presidency. His time in government was a moment of service — a way to give back to our country — following a distinguished career in the private sector, where he launched companies and turned around troubled ones.
And there’s this:
He’s formulated an economic plan — a set of alternatives to the government-oriented programs that Barack Obama has put in place — that is unparalleled in the history of American electoral campaigns. By pressing for fundamental change in the way that Washington taxes and spends, issues regulations, uses energy, interacts with our major trading partners, and deals with our labor force, he fully envisions a way to place America back on the path toward rapid economic growth and full employment. …
But he’s not only a family man, he is a man of principle. He believes in the bedrock conservative ideals of limited government and free enterprise.
Guess what doesn’t get a single mention in this endorsement? Health care.
Update II: Here’s Pawlenty on Fox & Friends this morning, via TPM. They ask him about the ObamneyCare issue, and also ask about his potential as a running mate — which Pawlenty says he won’t consider:
Ezra Klein noted on Twitter that this may be an anti-endorsement of Rick Perry, and he may be right — but that’s more a function of the way this race has become a binary contest than perhaps a specific intent on Pawlenty’s behalf.
Blowback
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Pawlenty endorsed a fellow warmist. Hardly surprising.
Stayright on September 12, 2011 at 9:26 AM
Pawlenty Endorses Romney Team RINO – ASSEMBLE!
Cindy Munford on September 12, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Pawlenty was pretty much inconsequential during his run so I’m not sure how much of a boost it gives to Romney, if any. Just more of the establishment promoting the establishment candidate.
changer1701 on September 12, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Oh joy DWS is lying thru her teeth again on Fox.
heshtesh on September 12, 2011 at 9:27 AM
I don’t want to be Congo any longer, I choose to be Saint Kitts and Nevis instead.
Bishop on September 12, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Pawlenty: An irrelevant Presidential candidate and an irrelevant endorser of a Presidential candidate.
WordsMatter on September 12, 2011 at 9:29 AM
Defeatist! This is what the Rep. establishment wants you to believe!
honsy on September 12, 2011 at 9:30 AM
No. Not necessarily. You need to explain to your friends, family and fellow workers why we need a conservative in office, or at least as close to conservative as we can get. Convince them.
My Mom has gone from Paul Ryan is going to take my social security away to why isn’t Paul Ryan running. She’s 85 and used to vote democrat.
Vince on September 12, 2011 at 9:31 AM
I’m a supporter of Mick Pemney. I like T-Paw but his endorsement is meaningless. He would be dumb pick for a Romney Veep. Romney doesn’t need help in the blue states. Perry could have been a possibility, but with this endorsement he’s out of the Veep stakes.
I like Marsha Blackburn as a possible Romney running mate if he ends up needing one.
MJBrutus on September 12, 2011 at 9:31 AM
The good news for Mittens is, that with the Pawlenty endorsement, you get a year’s free supply of Five Hour Energy Drink.
kingsjester on September 12, 2011 at 9:32 AM
.
NOOOOOOOOoooo !!!!!!!!!!
ExpressoBold on September 12, 2011 at 9:33 AM
A brilliant idea!
thuja on September 12, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Another look at Huntsman?
/
Fallon on September 12, 2011 at 9:35 AM
This.
Although the reality is, for all the caterwauling about Romney, he has an excellent chance of defeating Obama if he’s the nominee.
So does Perry, though, so he’s your viable alternative if one is not inclined to support Mitt.
But Romney or Perry, they both have a better-than-average shot at winning. I think we’ll be fine with either man as the nominee. However, my support goes to Perry because I think that he’ll garner more support with the base, and be able to win over enough indies as well (probably not as many indies as Romney, but that should be offset by his drawing more of the base).
Vyce on September 12, 2011 at 9:37 AM
How about Daniels/Pawlenty, the Sominex Twins.
Extrafishy on September 12, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Ø / Biden vs. Romney / Pawlenty 2012
Flashy teeth vs. Flash freeze
Tadumbum!!
.
Two politicians went into a bar. One said to the other “Did you hear the one about two accountants who ran for P & VP?”
Tadumbum!!
.
Swiss Cheese – pay more for less!
ExpressoBold on September 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Neither Pawlenty nor Romney had/has a snowballs chance in hell of getting my vote anyway. One expects squishes to stick (squish?) together, so this endorsement is no great shock.
CantCureStupid on September 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Well that leaves fellow Minnesotan, Bachmann, out in the cold, now doesn’t it?
Kermit on September 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Didn’t she campaign for Romney and then dropped him because of his healthcare plan? I know she endorsed Fred Thompson.
Vince on September 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Does this mean Romney will now pick Palin as veep, too?
profitsbeard on September 12, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Hmmmm…. this’ll be fun…. now, lets see…. step 1; pull pin from grenade…. step two; throw grenade…. step 3; run like hell….
None of this will matter, once Sarah declares!
/fun with grenade mode off.
massrighty on September 12, 2011 at 9:40 AM
Those 14 votes will surely put Romney over the top…
Jaibones on September 12, 2011 at 9:41 AM
THERE’S your campaign slogan!
fossten on September 12, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Ironic the guy that once doubled down on AGW, is now endorsing Mittens, on the very day Mittens doubles down on the Democrat position that SS is hunky dory.
Timing, Timmy. You no haz.
MNHawk on September 12, 2011 at 9:42 AM
IDK. I don’t think it matters who she was for last time, though. I think that she is a smart, Southern conservative option who would balance the ticket for Mitt. She is outspoken, but she wouldn’t be Oscar Madison to the candidate’s Felix Unger like we had last time.
MJBrutus on September 12, 2011 at 9:42 AM
I can’t imagine a ticket more susceptible to a third party challenge. All those people down south are gonna need a candidate to vote for. Conservatives will need a candidate to vote for.
Buddahpundit on September 12, 2011 at 9:44 AM
Romney/Pawlenty slogans:
Better than some other teams!
C’mon, we’re not that dull!
Wake up! and Vote Romney/Pawlenty.
Wonky leadership for a brighter future, or something!
massrighty on September 12, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Ed, aren’t you glad you didn’t take that position with the TPaw team?
MeatHeadinCA on September 12, 2011 at 9:46 AM
That’s no fun, I’ll just be phukit.
cozmo on September 12, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Only slightly better. If you think Romney is going to get anything substantial done you’re wrong….he has no history of it and does not have the “cajones” to change the status quo.
tencole on September 12, 2011 at 9:47 AM
This is newsworthy probably to Ed, the guys at Powerline and the NRO management team. I doubt it means much to anyone else.
DaydreamBeliever on September 12, 2011 at 9:48 AM
It’s foo-ket, foo-ket. I know, my brother is living there now and I hope to visit next year :-)
MJBrutus on September 12, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Romney/Pawlenty ’12
Because Americans need a nap.
kingsjester on September 12, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Phukit, foo-ket, aw f*__ it.
cozmo on September 12, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Indeed, I always said I would vote from Romney if nominated, althought I wouldn’t be thrilled. However, because of the way Romney is acting like a liberal on SS, I have decided I will not vote for the man. He was a barely acceptable alternative to Obama. Now he is no longer even that. i will not vote in the presidential election of Romney is the nominee. I will vote all down-ticket races, but won’t bother to vote for a man that I think would do more damage to the Conservative cause (and therefore America) than good.I know all the regular arguments about “you might as well vote for Obama” and such. guess what – I would rather have a clear Democratic failure that leads to a conservative president than a slightly less liberal “republican” who will lead to another Obama or worse in 4 years. At some point, principals do matter. romney has no principals, no beliefs outside of wanting to get elected, and is the worst sort of establishment republican. I have no use for him. Even as far as SCOTUS, he would, at best, give us another Kennedy or O’Connor – both of whom do more hard than good with their wishy/washy “i know it when I see it” type jurisprudence – or more likely, Romney would nominate a Souter type who immediately joins the left of the court.
Moreover, I doubt Romney could beat Obama. Teh base won’t be excited. Evangelicals would probably not vote for him. he will run a lackluster campaign. He will be easy to campaign against based on his constant flip-flops and Romneycare. what clear distinctions can be made between Romney and Obama? Sure, Romney is not a far-left ideologue, but that is only because he has no principals whatsoever. he will go with teh wind and everyone knows it.
I’d vote for Ron Paul before I would vote for Romney.
Monkeytoe on September 12, 2011 at 9:18 AM
Right on. Have you considered writing in the last conservative to fall out of the primaries or even a conservative 3rd party? Granted, I think it’ll be late-April to mid-May before we see a clear primary winner at the earliest.
Nonetheless, to your original point, this is why I will never, ever, vote again for a CINO. Just look how McVain tacked right to win and then having won, mocked the conservatives every chance he got. Reminds me of the tale of the scorpion. Mittness will “carry” the conservatives under the gop banner, then sting us. No thanks, not getting aboard the ABO boat. I’m going with any conservative that meets my 80% threshold. Mittness with his romneycare and now senior-scaring is at 40%.
AH_C on September 12, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Sorry for the strikeout, instead of blockquote. PIMF
AH_C on September 12, 2011 at 9:54 AM
Perry/Romney ’12. Nuff said.
volsense on September 12, 2011 at 9:54 AM
Romney/Pawlenty ’12
Because, hey, at least they don’t want to push Grandma down an elevator shaft like Perry does!
fossten on September 12, 2011 at 9:55 AM
Uh Ed, it’s really simple. Have you heard of next in line? Yeah the Establishment still tries to get away with it. Pawlenty is eyeing 2016 or 2020. Whether the Bush’s approve of that is another matter…
milemarker2020 on September 12, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Unigue? So, why did TPaw run against this magnificent being then?
littleguy on September 12, 2011 at 9:57 AM
You can have Bedlam.
steebo77 on September 12, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Boy, this should sure help Mitt.
Will anyone even notice?
molonlabe28 on September 12, 2011 at 9:58 AM
and 99% oc the pu lic asks Pawlenty what?
angryed on September 12, 2011 at 9:58 AM
If you think placing a token conservative on a ticket with Romney will assuage conservatives and gain him enough backing to place him over an Obama/? ticket, then you have been sleeping since the Tea Party revolution and need to wake up pronto.
Politics as you knew it is dead.
Romney/? will LOSE to Obama and it won’t be close. By the time Obama/Dems are through with him, conservatives will revile him and even Establishment types will be taking cover. There is a reason why they have held off attacking him – they have everything laid out to sink him faster than a boulder dropped into the sea.
TheRightMan on September 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Shhhhh
MeatHeadinCA on September 12, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Thanks, Tim. For nothing.
paul1149 on September 12, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Romney/Pawlent: We promise not to change a thing!
MeatHeadinCA on September 12, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Boring and Boring-er 2012
ConservativePartyNow on September 12, 2011 at 10:02 AM
You’ll have to give Ed a pass on this one. He and the Powerline guys have been promoting TPaw for about a year before he declared. Hometown pride, Minnesota nice and all that. I tried to feel it, but I guess being from a solid red State, I just couldn’t.
AH_C on September 12, 2011 at 10:05 AM
You mean a Conservative/Backstabbing RINO ticket like Reagan/Bush I, where the RINO tries to position himself/herself as next-in-line to try and undo whatever reforms that have been achieved by the Conservative to return things back to the status quo?
Sorry, pass.
TheRightMan on September 12, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Heh, only if you like some voodoo-economics.
Like you, no way, Jose, am I playing that crap again. I want a Conservative/Conservative ticket. The GOP elite are a disgrace and brought us to this nadir. The GOP elites deserve nothing from me but disdain.
AH_C on September 12, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Bwahahahahah
SouthernGent on September 12, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Not me. Not now, not November, not ever…
pannw on September 12, 2011 at 10:19 AM
I just puked in my underwear.
MadisonConservative on September 12, 2011 at 10:19 AM
A Hot Air dream team!
I can definitely see Allahpundit and Ed Morrissey seated side by side working the phone banks for that ticket.
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on September 12, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Why would Pawlenty have a more realistic shot at VP if he didn’t have one at all for POTUS?
These next 10 years are going to be very difficult for the US. We Recgoing to need a strong, experienced leader with a record of such and of fighting for the people. Neither Romney or Pawlenty have that…
CCRWM on September 12, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Heh! T-Paw the kingmaker!
chief on September 12, 2011 at 10:28 AM
If I mention that Pawlenty is Mitten’s date to the debate, tonight, without linking to CNN, will my post make it past moderation, then?
/sigh at overaggressive filtering
MNHawk on September 12, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Somehow, it seems a certain cluelessness exists. With the Tea Party and a general anti-Obama sentiment coursing throughout the country, people simply won’t go for the ‘Northeastern Liberal Republican (or Midwestern one). How do you think Romney and Pawlenty got elected in their respective Liberal bastions anyway? Not by campaigning or governing for and on Conservative causes, but in squishy middling ways…completely anathema to what the country needs now, and how the electorate is shaping up.
Of course these two squishy plush toys would find common ground.
JonPrichard on September 12, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Why should we get excited about this . . . Pawlenty couldn’t even muster enough support to remain in the presidential run?
rplat on September 12, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Kiss of death. Mark it down. Both will flame out.
Pawlenty is letting his hatred of Bachmann get the better of him.
Western_Civ on September 12, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Spoiled Righties
Any of the Republican candidates have demonstrated leadership experience. And you could pick any guest on CNBC for a better idea about jobs that the current administration.
This morning they had a creative idea on taxation from Wilbur Ross and the B of A boss cutting $5 Billion in costs. That is just one morning.
Where do we get our leaders, again?
IlikedAUH2O on September 12, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Hahahaha!! Who would have thought that it was really T-Paw that was Romneys stalking horse? Oh wait a minute, I guess Romney can have more than one stalking horse. Get ready for the delusional wing of the St Palin the Victimized congregation to accuse ALL the GOP candidates of being Romney’s stalking horse! The conspiracy against Palin knows no limits!
ROTFLMMFAO!!!
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:19 AM
This says a lot about TPaw’s future in conservative circles.
He’s proven that he doesn’t stand with Tea Party or Libertarian ideals.
ButterflyDragon on September 12, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Bwahahahahaha!!! Stop! Please! Bwahahahahahahaha!!!
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Is anyone really surprised?
RINOs tend to support each other.
In any regard, this is all meaningless. Romney will never be the nominee, and Pawlenty is done in national politics.
Norwegian on September 12, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Not suprised. Rational guy makes rational decision supports only rational candidate who will destroy Obama.
swamp_yankee on September 12, 2011 at 11:27 AM
No. Profit for those who risk and succeed.
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Palin. She would lose to Obama in a landslide.
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Thank you, Pawlenty, for justifying my long-time disinterest in you.
Animator Girl on September 12, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I knew there was a reason I couldn’t quite warm up to Pawlenty….
Egad, I dislike Romney; and I really don’t trust him.
What I can’t understand is why otherwise sensible ‘pubbies seem to support the author of RomneyCare. Almost makes me think they won’t really repeal ObamaCare!
CatoRenasci on September 12, 2011 at 11:31 AM
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:33 AM
I think the entire base will turn out to vote against Obama irrespective of whom our nominee is. The key is the indies and as we have all seen, Romney is going after the indie vote.
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Fat chance they’d repeal Obama care. Rather, I suspect they’d tweak it at best. *SIGH*
I was floored by it too. I just can’t believe he’d back Romney. There has to be something promised in return for that endorsement.
capejasmine on September 12, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Yeah…there is no way T-Paw is being honest. We all know what a liar he is.
csdeven on September 12, 2011 at 11:52 AM
PASS.
Cylor on September 12, 2011 at 12:38 PM
And it’s not going to be taxed to help fund our highways, our defense, our necessary education, our medical research,our police, our science grants, our judicial system, our prison system, etc? (which help all)
Sorry but a solid economy lifts the public’s boats too-unlss you’re sufggesting that legitimate profists whoudn’t be taxes at all for the benefit of society (which is not to be confused with “Big government”)
Don L on September 12, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Typical of HA posters that come out and bash Romney and say they would never vote for him, even after T-Paw fans just a month were promoting him (T-Paw), because of blah blah blah…Many of you do not obviously take the time to read Mitt’s statements on his stances on many conservative ideas and he is THE only one currently running that can turn around the economy with his background. His resume is better than any candidates for the job of POTUS. What is more aggravating by some of you is to even compare Romney to Obama’s stances!!? What a joke. Are you seriously even a conservative? Bottom line is that Romney currently is the only one who can draw in all conservatives (fiscal, social, etc ) and the independents to overcome the MSM, Hollywood, and the onslaught of SEIU and “ACORN” folks that will be out in droves over the next summer registering every dead and illegal and illegally dead person around to vote for Obama. The Libs don’t want this Obama gravy train to stop.
GO ROMNEY!!
PS I think you will see more of the “contenders” come out and back Romney as time moves on in the campaign knowing he is the only candidate that can beat Obama.
g2825m on September 12, 2011 at 1:51 PM
John Kasich will be the VP pick; the ticket’s either Perry/Kasich or Romney/Kasich.
PatMac on September 12, 2011 at 1:54 PM
The Palinistas will have to keep their mouths shut on this one.
nottakingsides on September 12, 2011 at 1:56 PM
How about that Pawlenty actually believes Romney will win and wants to be a part of the team in helping ensure we elect a Republican vice Obama.
Also Romney will offer to the States the opportunity to repeal the entire HC bill thus allowing the states that want to keep or modify it will be on them, as the 10th Amendment states…something also Perry is for as far as 10th Amendment. I personally cant stand the HC bill and believe ultimately the SCOTUS will overturn the decision but then again I thought the same thing with the original McCain-Feingold.
This brings me to my next thought is that those of you that will either sit home or say that you don’t care if Obama gets elected rather than Romney will Obama to stack the SCOTUS against us for possibly two decades as many retirees will be replaced by Obama-types like Sotomayer and Kagan. Thanks. Stay home like you did in 2006 and helped elect a Democrat-ruled Congress.
Some of you do not think too clearly or critically about your decisions and where they will lead! Sorry just a little pssed sitting here in Afghanistan and reading what I thought were people who loved the Constitution and will want anyone in office other than Obama.
g2825m on September 12, 2011 at 2:01 PM
PatMac,
Kasich would be a great choice! There are many that I think would be a great VP. I think Paul Ryan would be but want his talents to stay in the House where he will do more for our country staying there.
Personally I hope Romney and Palin or Romney and Bachmann work a deal out and watch some of you scramble off the Palin or Bachmann ship…I like everyone of our candidates including Paul, even though as a military member I do not like his stances on Iran, deployments, and other “protection” issues, and think they will all do a better job than Obama. Maybe some of these candidates know more about the integrity of the person (Romney) than we do and who want Tea Party conservatism (which I want) or nothing else (which I do not) because that will equal 4 more years of Obama and further destruction of our country, economy, SCOTUS appts, and further degradation of our military which is already teetering with needed upkeep to our ships, whole Army Divisions need upgrades, and the AF is in the same “boat” as well…(sorry for the pun I’m a Navy guy).
g2825m on September 12, 2011 at 2:12 PM
Easy to see why this happened…
ChristianRock on September 12, 2011 at 3:09 PM
Great another Obama you think?? At least Mitt earned his money and pays for things on his own or in cases like the Olympics and I believe the Governorship, he did NOT take a salary while serving…the keyword here is “serving” the people. See more of below here: http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=C26C404F-8D9F-4DF3-AA9C-724E21672601
the story below does show “possibly” an entitlement mentality…and lets not forget his immigration stances which as an Arizonan I am totally against his stances and believe America is more in line with Gov Jan Brewer’s.
While Perry’s personal financial disclosure statements show gifts ranging from a signed football helmet from ex-Dallas Cowboy running back Emmitt Smith to high-end hair products for his wife, Anita — and even “medical tests” from a Dallas doctor known as the father of aerobics, the most frequent perks accepted by the Perry appear to be hunting trips, tickets to sporting events — including the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, NBA Finals and all manner of other football, basketball, baseball and hockey games — and travel.
Perry’s family often accompanies him on trips to enviable destinations including Key West, China, France, Italy, Qatar and Sweden, where ostensible political or business development purposes mix with stays at five-star hotels and meals at top restaurant — and where the bills are paid in whole or in part by deep-pocketed supporters, either through his campaign or TexasOne.
When the family traveled to the 2006 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., to watch the University of Texas Longhorns play the University of Southern California Trojans, they flew on a private jet paid for (at a cost of $15,000) by the Texas Motor Transportation Association’s political action committee. Their game tickets were purchased by TexasOne, which hosted a business recruitment barbecue in Hollywood.
g2825m on September 12, 2011 at 3:13 PM
So, would your rather have Pawlenty’s endorsement or one from Bobby Jindal?
JonPrichard on September 12, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Good point…ChristianRock. I see no issues with helping retire his debt. This reminds me, recall when Obama said he would help Hillary to retire her debt in 2008 and I think she is still waiting…
g2825m on September 12, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Easy for me…Bobby Jindal
g2825m on September 12, 2011 at 3:17 PM
Easy Pawlenty.
Pawlenty has organization, backers and donors in key primary states like IA, NH and FL. Jindal doesnt.
Jindal is another red state governor. Pawlenty had the chops to win and govern as a conservative in a blue state.
Southern, Texas border LA delegates were always in Camp Perry.
MN is a more interesting prize.
Pawlenty’s endoresement is much more important, especially in IA. A merger of Romney and Pawlenty camps will be , especially in Bachmann sticks around and ciphons Perry votes in IA.
swamp_yankee on September 12, 2011 at 5:16 PM
I think that any Presidential candidate is looking for more than a VP maybe delivering 10 electorial votes .
Having said that, Romney and Pawlenty are a perfect fit, government health care meets global warming, what more could a “moderate” Republican or Democrat ask for?
RJL on September 12, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Almost everyone at Hot Air, with the excpetion of Ed ;) knew that TPAW was a RINO. No surprise that he’d endorse the oher RINO, Romney. I knew his measure with his AGW nonsense (even if he did take it back before he ran for POTUS).
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on September 12, 2011 at 5:45 PM
At one time I thought that Pawlenty would make a good president. However, the more I heard him speak and the more I learned of his record the more disillusioned I became. I am not the least bit surprised by his endorsement of Romney.
TomLawler on September 12, 2011 at 6:45 PM
Perry was just as liberal on immigration as Romney was on healthcare.
We can all make absolute declarative statements.
“I will NEVER vote for Perry due to his pro-illegal, pro amnesty immigration position.”
Yeah how about I won’t be an extremist like 1/2 of the commentators here?
I will vote for any Republican that wins the nomination. They are all better than Obama.
scotash on September 12, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Pawlenty is no longer a presidential candidate b/c he’s a squish.
Called health care reform for what is is, then backed off Obamneycare b/c he too had similar ideas.
To endorse Romney & ignore the elephant in the room makes this guy irrelevant.
There’s a reason why he faded in the campaign… he’s weak on the national stage & could only attempt to mount an attack on the only female candidate in the race. He failed b/c she’s tougher than he is.
Pawlenty’s endorsement of Romney resonates far less significantly than Jindal’s endorsement of Perry.
Danny on September 12, 2011 at 7:34 PM
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