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.
November 30, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, a Republican from Eagan, about his thoughts about state surplus and what should happen going forward. Pawlenty is concerned about Governor Ventura’s idea of lowering state sales tax, but raising in other areas.
January 3, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Democrat John Hottinger, the assistant majority leader of the senate, and Republican Tim Pawlenty, the majority leader of the house, about the start of Minnesota state legislature. Legislators are expected to tackle some sticky issues, like what to do with a projected three billion dollar surplus, along with campaign finance proposals, and the high price of prescription drugs.
June 12, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on the final Republican debate before the state's party convention later this week. House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty of Eagan, and Orono businessman Brian Sullivan are engaged in a close race to win the party's endorsement. Both candidates say they'll drop out of the race if delegates choose their opponent.
June 17, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the newly-endorsed slate of Republican candidates as they embark on a three-day statewide bus tour. This follows the candidates flying around the state earlier, after getting party backing during the state convention. Gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty says his campaign will focus on the three issues he terms "kids, roads and jobs."
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.