Pundits Forcing Pawlenty's Election Choices

by: Grace Kelly

Mon Apr 20, 2009 at 10:03:57 AM CDT

Minnesota (Pawlenty-R) Minnesota Republicans desperately want Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) to seek a 3rd term, as he is probably the only Republican who can hold this seat. However, if Pawlenty has Presidential ambitions in 2012, it's awfully dicey to go for a 3rd term and risk defeat that would no doubt end his Presidential aspirations. But even if he runs, he's little better than a 50/50 bet against a solid Democratic field that includes several veteran candidates.
(Election Advantage)

Here are leading indicators on which choice Pawlenty will make:

1) Pawlenty talks more about taxes instead of general economic health then that indicates the  president choice. (President 1, Governor 0)

More after the fold!

3) Pawlenty changes his haircut to a more classic style. (President 3, Governor 0)

Here are upcoming milestones that would also indicate the presidential choice:

1) Pawlenty refuses to sign the election certificate after the State Supreme Court ruling, then he is ruling for president.

2) Pawlenty rejects all support for the Midwest Greenhouse Gas Accord.

3) Pawlenty stops Sams Club Republican talk in favor of striking notes in religious extremism.

4) Pawlenty will stonewall the budget no matter when he gets it for two weeks and then find a compromise and sign it because an extended state shutdown will hurt both his chances for president and governor. (I think the legislature should sent it to him a month early and then disband!) What will be telling is the rhetoric that he uses. Again, the stronger tax rhetoric will indicate running for president.

Please do add in the comments, other indicators that you think there are!