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 13, 1998 - State Representative Tim Pawlenty (pah-LEHN-tee) bowed out of the Governor's race today. The Republican Representative from Eagan says he's giving up in the face of the momentum of Lieutenant Governor Joanne Benson's campaign, combined with St Paul Mayor Norm Coleman's likely entry into the race. Coleman says he'll announce this Sunday whether he'll run for Governor. Political commentators Bob Meek, a Democrat, and Tom Horner, a Republican, say it's very likely he'll run. Horner says Coleman would join an already strong field of Republican candidates: Republican political commentator Tom Horner, and Democrat Bob Meek.
December 7, 1998 - When the Minnesota legislature convenes in January, two suburban lawmakers will serve as House Majority and Minority Leaders. The bulk of the House committee chairs are also from the suburbs. As the suburbs grow, so does their political clout. But some worry their increasing power may come at the expense of rural communities and the cities. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Simply look at the numbers, and it's obvious why suburban legislators are growing in prominence - close to two-million people live in the suburbs of the seven-county metro. So both parties are scrambling to find ways to appeal to them, and two of the three House leaders live in their midst. Newly-elected Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty is from Eagan; Minority Leader Tom Pugh lives in South St. Paul.
January 5, 1999 - (For Tuesday a.m. - Pair with Martin's piece) For the first time in Minnesota history, the two new caucus leaders in the House both hail from the suburbs. But it's even more unusual that the two grew up on the same street in South St. Paul. Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (puh-LEN-tee) of Eagan and Minority Leader Tom Pugh (PEW) of South St. Paul also share a similar style - less partisan, more moderate - and the two attorneys remain friends, despite their political differences. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... Tim Pawlenty and Tom Pugh grew up seven houses apart o
January 7, 2000 - Minnesota House Republicans are proposing a Privacy Bill of Rights for Minnesotans. Republicans want to stop state government agencies from selling mailing lists, and force telemarketers to register with the state. The proposal drew criticism from DFL state attorney general Mike Hatch. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports. Republican house majority leader Tim Pawlenty says the electronic exchange of personal data can be frightening.
August 30, 2002 - The major party candidates for governor reacted positively to news that a new baseball labor agreement will apparently prevent Major League Baseball from eliminating the Minnesota Twins for the next four years. The candidates learned of the tentative agreement shortly before appearing in an Minnesota Public Radio debate at the State Fair.
October 31, 2002 - Our "Meet the Candidates" series continues with Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty.
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...
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.
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.