Governor Tim Pawlenty has acknowledged deeper ties to a Republican businessman who oversaw several telecommunications firms -- one of which has been charged with defrauding customers in at least seven states. Pawlenty made his comments during a two-hour press conference yesterday (TUESDAY) that was meant to clarify Pawlenty's role in the controversy, which he maintains was minimal. At the same time, House Democrats say the governor's voting record as a state representative favored phone companies over consumers. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.