Tim Pawlenty, like Sarah Palin did before him, has all but abandoned his state. Most of us are thinking that might indeed be a good thing, since he can't drive MN further into the ditch. Rural schools are going to 4 day weeks, since Pawlenty has gutted aid to schools. Property taxes are rising in outstate MN (and everywhere else in the state) since Timmy cannot understand why there should be Local Government Aid. All of this is done, not in the name of fiscal responsibility, but to further his own political ambitions. Pawlenty has one core belief....that he should get what he wants, and to heck with the poor, local governments or school districts. He has been a disaster for MN.

KMac in Okla: His in state approval ratings as of May 2010 are at about 42%. MN is an interesting state, in that the Republican Party is extreme right wing. Bachmann fits it perfectly, and if you listen to what she says, you get a feel for the state party. There are areas in MN where Pawlenty would be popular, some of the wealthier 'burbs closer to the Twin Cities. He has caused so many problems for out state MN, ( I am near the North Dakota border, Fargo is about 20 miles from here.) that he is not popular here. It is hard to state clearly what a disaster Pawlenty has been for MN schools. Our rural districts cover a lot of miles, and due to transportation costs, as well as other factors, these schools are going to 4 day weeks. One of the problems that Pawlenty will have in a National run is that he will bore the life out of people. He always looks angry, and irritable, and has no sense of humor to speak of, and this is not going to play well with the electorate. As much as Pawlenty tries to hide it, and appear to be moderate, he is as right wing as Bachmann is.