Timothy James Pawlenty is an American Republican politician and businessman who served as 39th Governor of Minnesota.
Born November 27, 1960 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Pawlenty began politics as a member of Eagan City Council. In 1992, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 38B in suburban Dakota County, and became majority leader by House Republicans in 1998. Pawlenty was elected as Governor of Minnesota, both in 2002 and 2006. His governorship from 2003 to 2011 was noted for his “no new taxes” pledge, lowering of state spending, and controversial bonding bills. Pawlenty sought the 2012 Republican presidential nomination from May to August 2011.
February 26, 2003 - A new Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll finds nearly half of those polled think Governor Pawlenty is doing a good or excellent job. It's the first poll to ask about the governor's job performance since he was elected in November. Pawlenty supporters say the numbers are surprisingly high, coming after the governor released a budget that makes major spending cuts in a number of areas. Political observers say his approval rating could drop after the full impact of those cuts is known. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
June 16, 2003 - Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty joins host Gary Eichten in the MPR studios to discuss current events and answer listener questions. We discuss upcoming trade trip, and other issues facing Minnesota and the nation.
September 12, 2003 - A rainstorm didn't halt the state's largest September 11 memorial ceremony last (THURSDAY) night in St. Paul. Governor Pawlenty and other leaders told a small but dedicated crowd the fight against terrorism must continue. They said Minnesotans can channel their emotions into community service here at home. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
September 29, 2003 - All Things Considered’s David Molpus talks with MPR’s Laura McCallum, who is traveling with Governor Tim Pawlenty delegation on a trade mission in Canada. Pawlenty is trying to push Minnesota to pursue research partnerships and business opportunities with Quebec. The governor met with Montreal Premier Jean Charest.
October 30, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty said today (THURSDAY) that he'll encourage the Legislature to pass a bill next session that would lower the legal blood alcohol limit from point one zero to point zero-eight. Pawlenty says lowering the legal limit will reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. The state will also receive millions of dollars in federal highway money that was only going to states that have the point-zero-eight standard. The Legislature failed to pass the bill in previous sessions. Opponents argue the lower limit could hurt business for bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 4, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty's call for returning the death penalty to Minnesota is encountering stiff criticism from some who say the governor is trading on the publicity surrounding the disappearance last month of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin. One day after a convicted sex offender was arrested in connection with Sjodin's apparent abduction, Pawlenty said he'd support capital punishment in certain murder or attempted murder cases that involve sexual assault. But that plan is likely to face stiff opposition from lawmakers in both parties. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
January 16, 2004 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on stadium discussions in the Twin Cities. More than two dozen cities, counties, and private citizens have pitched their ballpark solutions to Governor Tim Pawlenty's Stadium Screening Committee. The governor solicited outside input to help him decide what role, if any, the state might play in financing new facilities for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. The plans cover a range of sites sprinkled across the metropolitan area and offer funding options from local taxes to state dollars to casino revenues.
March 1, 2004 - 15 years after state officials signed gaming compacts with Minnesota's Indian tribes, 18 casinos have been built. They generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, far more than anyone imagined they would. The state of Minnesota gets only a small sliver of that money and it's used to regulate the casinos.
March 16, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his stadium plans, with the governor's stadium advisory commission recommending the state build new ballparks for both the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. Midday presents report and holds a discussion on plan and takes listener calls.
April 22, 2004 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports Governor Tim Pawlenty was unsuccessful in his efforts to persuade the shareholders of Pfizer, the world's largest drug company, to charge Americans less for prescriptions. In report, Pawlenty speaks on re-importation of drugs.