Tim Pawlenty in Sam's Club Republican, by J. A. McClure
On Abortion:
1991: favored parental notification & informed consent
[A 1991 article described Pawlenty as] an atypical Republican because he was concerned about poverty but "the abortion issue wasn't a big deal to him." Though social issues were generally avoided in his campaign, he was asked whether he favored "any
additional restrictions on women's right to abortion." He said he supported parental notification requirements for abortions performed on minors, and also informed consent procedures, "which involves an explanation of risks and possible alternatives."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 12-13
May 10, 2010
On Abortion:
Prohibit partial-birth abortion; require 24-hour wait
Pawlenty is pro-life and supports several restrictions on abortion. While in the Minnesota House in 1998, Pawlenty requested the bill prohibit partial-birth abortions and expand reporting requirements for doctors.
In the 2000 legislative session, Pawlenty voted in favor of a bill requiring a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 64
May 10, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
Simply wrong for government to spend large surpluses
[The Federal government had a budget surplus in 2000 when Pawlenty wrote]: "The debate regarding tax cuts is a proxy for the role of government in people's lives. Cutting taxes is perhaps the best way to gain control over a federal government that has
become a behemoth. It is simply wrong for governments to collect & spend large surpluses when we are already seriously overtaxed & when the rate of government spending growth has been frightening." Pawlenty called for a sweeping, 10% cut in income taxes.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 17-18
May 10, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
Post 9-11-01: we face a "big honkin' budget deficit"
Only a week after the race began, the political landscape was dramatically changed by the attacks of September 11. Pawlenty cancelled events for weeks afterward, as any politicking would have appeared in poor taste. "People's sense of what's important
has changed. Most of what was interesting or noteworthy in August is off the list," he said. The attacks also meant Minnesota suddenly faced a very different budget from the one Pawlenty had enjoyed while in the House. The economy slowed, and the state
faced a $2 billion deficit--as Pawlenty termed it, a "big honkin' budget deficit." Nonetheless, he refused to move from his anti-tax stance.
When Governor Ventura proposed a series of taxes to adjust for the deficit, Pawlenty attacked the "Jesse taxes" as harming "Jane and Joe Six Pack."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 24-25
May 10, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
Nationalizing banking, health, & autos is wrong direction
Pawlenty criticized President Obama in January 2009 for his "runaway spending": "It's unsustainable, it's irresponsible, it's reckless. It has to be reined in federally like we've done in Minnesota." He also criticized the Bush-Obama administrations for
further extending government into the private sector: "We are watching the total or partial nationalization of mortgage, banking, autos, soon to be health and energy. That is the absolute wrong direction for the country. It's not going to work."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 55
May 10, 2010
On Civil Rights:
Voted for GLBT protection; later favored repealing the law
Pawlenty's first controversial vote came only a few months into office when, in 1993, he supported a bill extending GLBT protection under the state Human Rights Act. The bill safeguarded gays and lesbians from discrimination in employment, housing,
education, and public accommodations. Because of his yes vote, Pawlenty's conservative credentials were questioned a decade later when running for governor. He said he regretted the vote and favored repealing the law: "If I had to do it over again,
I would have changed some things. The statute is not worded the way it should be. I said I regretted the vote later because it included things like cross-dressing, and a variety of behaviors that weren't based on sexual orientation, just a preference for
the way they dressed or behaved. So it was overly broad. If you are a 3rd-grade teacher and you are a man and you show up on Monday as Mr. Johnson and you show up on Tuesday as Mrs. Johnson, that is a little confusing to kids."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 13-14
May 10, 2010
On Civil Rights:
Opposite-sex marriage is cornerstone of society
In March 1997, Pawlenty supported a ban on same-sex marriage, saying the state would not discriminate against homosexuals, but neither would it "sanction or elevate their behavior."Pawlenty said in a 2002 debate that "opposite-sex marriage is the
cornerstone of our society." In a 2009 interview, he affirmed his opposition to gay marriage rights: "My general view on all of this is that marriage is to be defined as being a union of a man and a woman.
Marriage should be elevated in our society at a special level. I don't think all domestic relationships are the equivalent of traditional marriage.
Early on we decided as a country and as a state that there was value in a man and a woman being married in terms of impact on children and the like, and we want to encourage that."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 14&63
May 10, 2010
On Corporations:
20% corporate tax cut; 20% business exclusion
In 2010, in his final State of the State address, Pawlenty outlined his plans for growing "good, private-sector jobs" in the state:- 20% cut in the corporate tax rate
- 20% exclusion from taxes for small businesses
- Capital gains tax exclusion
for qualified investments
- Tax credits for investors in startup companies
- R&D tax credits
- Incentives for investment in Minnesota small businesses.
Pawlenty defended the tax cuts as "a spit in the ocean compared to what should be done."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 50
May 10, 2010
On Crime:
Minimum mandatory sentences & sex offender notification
In 1998, Pawlenty campaigned for a fourth term in the House, telling reporters: "Constituents want low taxes, good schools, safe neighborhoods. It's not a lot more complicated than that." He listed among his top accomplishments his authoring of a crime
bill placing minimum mandatory sentences on repeat perpetrators of domestic violence, and a community notification law requiring police to notify neighbors when a serious sex offender moved near them.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 16
May 10, 2010
On Education:
1991: lengthening the school year for high schoolers
In 1991, a State House seat opened up in Pawlenty's district. He announced his candidacy, focusing on jobs and education reform.
For the latter, he advocated lengthening the secondary school year so that students could compete better internationally, and supported performance-based funding of schools.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 11-12
May 10, 2010
On Education:
3R solution: Rigor, Relevance, & Results for high schools
In his fifth State of the State speech, Pawlenty labeled the state's high schools "obsolete." He proposed a "3R" solution: "rigor, relevance, results." Students in the
3R schools would have to complete the equivalent of a full year in college before receiving their high school diplomas.
After completion, they would receive their first year at a state university free, and scholarships would be provided for "at-risk" children. They would be required to take four full years of a foreign language, and extra emphasis would be placed on
math, science, technology and engineering. The program would also increase funding of schools by four percent, with half of the funding contingent upon the school meeting its goals.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 45
May 10, 2010
On Energy & Oil:
2005: Vetoed $250K for climate change research
In 2005, Pawlenty signed a bill doubling the amount of corn-based ethanol required in gasoline. In 2006, he signed a bill requiring the state's coal plants to reduce mercury output by 90% over the following eight years. He did not, however, support
every environmental initiative that came across his desk. In 2005 he vetoed $6.8 million of funding for a variety of projects, including $250,000 for climate change research and $466,000 for planting trees.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 36-37
May 10, 2010
On Energy & Oil:
25% renewable by 2025: Requirement, not a goal
Pawlenty served as Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) for the 2007-08 term. While Chair of the NGA, he selected "securing a Clean Energy Future" as the main goal of his tenure. He said other states would learn from
Minnesota's example, citing the following accomplishments:"A requirement, not a goal, that 25% of our energy will come from renewable sources by 2025. It includes legislation signed into law to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
It includes reducing our fossil fuel consumption by 15% by 2015, which is coming up fast."
At a 2007 NGA conference, Pawlenty warned the US must curtail its carbon emissions, or it would "risk the nations' security posture, its prosperity and quality
of life." He added that fossil fuels would still be an important part of the nation's energy supply, but they would have to pursue cleaner and more efficient ways of utilizing them.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 48-49
May 10, 2010
On Energy & Oil:
Building, Benchmarks, & Beyond: reduce 200,000 tons of CO2
Pawlenty teamed up with Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) in 2007 to form a "Governors' Windpower Coalition" aimed at promoting wind power research. Pawlenty addresses a global audience of 800 representatives in Washington DC at the 2007 Energy Efficiency
Global Forum. He touted Minnesota as a leader in clean energy. With their Building, Benchmarks and Beyond program, the state made older public buildings more energy efficient, saving an estimated $23 million and 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 60-61
May 10, 2010
On Government Reform:
2002: Fined $100,000 for violating campaign finance laws
[Pawlenty's 2002 gubernatorial] campaign was dealt major bad press only a few weeks before voters went to the polls. Because Pawlenty accepted $400,000 in public funding, he was subject to numerous campaign finance laws.
A state campaign finance board ruled the Minnesota Republican Party had illegally prepared and broadcast two television ads on Pawlenty's behalf. The Pawlenty campaign was fined $100,000 and required to count $500,000 of the cost of the ads against their
$2.2 million campaign spending limit, significantly reducing the amount they could spend on advertising in the final days of the campaign.Pawlenty accepted the fine as a "fair compromise."
Public response, however, was mixed, as many saw the ruling as anything but fair. They were unfamiliar with the strange campaign finance laws, which appeared a rather brazen affront to the First Amendment.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 30-31
May 10, 2010
On Government Reform:
Guarantee the right to concealed carry
Pawlenty consistently supported legislation in the Minnesota House guaranteeing the rights of
Minnesotans to carry guns in the pockets or purses. He enjoys recreational hunting.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 65
May 10, 2010
On Health Care:
2004: started state website to import Rx drugs from Canada
Pawlenty continually fought Congress, the FDA, and the pharmaceutical industry in an attempt to lower prescription drug costs. His administration set up a prescription drug website in 2004 to help Minnesotans access Canadian drugs.
The FDA publicly scolded Pawlenty and demanded he shut down the website, smearing it as unsafe and "breaking both American and Canadian law." Pawlenty was defiant. He refused to shut down the site, delivered a speech in
Washington, DC justifying his decision, and ultimately was joined by other governors who set up similar sites for their constituents. In July 2006, Pawlenty sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for a
2-year moratorium on advertising by drug companies, calling their ads "ridiculous and reckless." At the end of his first term, he said the pharmaceutical industry had "a power that would frighten most citizens."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 35-36
May 10, 2010
On Health Care:
2009 bill will break the bank, but not cut costs
Pawlenty strongly opposed the Democrats' health care legislation of 2009 and 2010. He cited philosophical and financial reasons for his opposition, that the bill would "break the bank." He said spending more money would not cut costs: "That's like you're
saying you're going to balance the checkbook by writing more checks."Pawlenty likewise opposed unfunded health care proposals in Minnesota. In 1994, he argued the Legislature should start over on health reform and pay better attention to costs.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 58
May 10, 2010
On Health Care:
Start toward universal coverage by covering all kids
As governor, Pawlenty proposed allowing Minnesotans to buy health insurance products from companies in other states, thus increasing competition in the health insurance market. He also advocated the establishment of an Interstate Health Insurance
Compact that "would allow states to join and share common regulatory standards to facilitate the purchase of health insurance across state lines."
Pawlenty rejected the notion that government was going to provide helpful "competition" against private sector health insurance. He does, however, support some government involvement in the health care system. Upon re-election, he called universal
coverage an admiral goal and said government could play a role by starting to insure all children: "We all, I think, can chart a path toward universal coverage. We're going to have to move in stages, We should start with covering all kids."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 59-60
May 10, 2010
On Homeland Security:
Torture of terrorists might be ok to obtain info
Pawlenty is open to the possibility that terror suspects might have to be tortured to obtain information. When former Vice president Dick Cheney was criticized for his advocacy of waterboarding in 2009,
Pawlenty said there were two sides to the debate, and Cheney's position was valid: "I think he has probably some inside information about who was waterboarded and what information was derived from that and what events it prevented.
Since 9/11, the country wasn't attacked and didn't have another terrorist incident, so they must have done something right. How far do you go?
I think, clearly, we have to weigh the benefits of that information against the damage it causes, not only to the individual, but to our values more broadly."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 62
May 10, 2010
On Immigration:
No pathway to citizenship except military service
When asked what should be done with illegal immigrants, Pawlenty answered: "I don't think we're going to give them or should give them a pathway to citizenship in terms of cutting in front of the line. Some people,
I think, should be returned or asked to leave. But if you have, for example, somebody who's served in the military, has been in the US for 20 years and has served with distinction and honor in the
United States military, are you going to throw that person out?""It's not a one-size-fits-all answer. I think you have to go through the group of 12 or
15 million people and look at, you know, have they been crime free? Have they served in the military? And make some decisions on a case-by-case basis."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 61
May 10, 2010
On Principles & Values:
We are the party of Sam's Club, not just the country club
"We are the party of Sam's Club, not just the country club." These words define Tim Pawlenty as a politician. By the time he spoke them at the 2001 Minnesota Republican Convention, he was already well on his way to transforming the state's political
landscape. The goal was to re-brand the Republican Party with a type of "contemporary conservatism," broadening the party's base without compromising its conservative values.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 1-2
May 10, 2010
On Principles & Values:
OpEd: 2012 electorate might want a regular guy
Pawlenty maintains a broad appeal with Democrats and Independents. He is at home among political opponents. He can talk politics with working class Democrats without a hint of hostility or discomfort. Of course, he isn't the most rousing public speaker.
In 2008 the McCain team could pass on Pawlenty as a vice presidential candidate because he was too ordinary: "this is not a fellow who is going to come across as strikingly charismatic.
People see that he's smart and competent, but there's not much sizzle." If Pawlenty's lack of charisma counted against him in 2008, it might not be such a liability in 2012. The aftermath of the '08 election left many
Americans wondering if both tickets were too much "sizzle" and not enough smart or competent. By 2012, a regular guy like Tim Pawlenty might be precisely what the electorate wants.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 53
May 10, 2010
On Principles & Values:
1999: Supported denomination-specific prayers in MN House
In 1999, the Minnesota House changed its daily prayers from denomination-specific to "nondenominational." They switched back to denomination-specific prayers the following year. The text of the new rule stated prayers no longer had to "respect the
religious diversity of the House." Pawlenty agreed with the decision, saying: "Our goal is not to have prayer that is so watered down and generic. A generic prayer by definition in many faiths can't be a prayer."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 67
May 10, 2010
On Principles & Values:
Politics major then Law School at U. Minn.
Tim's mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She succumbed to the illness when he was 16 years old. Before her death, Ginnie made her first four children promise they would send Tim to college. His sister Rosie still remembers her mother telling them:
"If you goofballs don't do anything else in life, make sure Tim goes to college." Tim attended a University of Minnesota pre-dentistry program, but realized it wasn't a good fit after scoring a B-minus in organic chemistry. He visited a college career
counselor, who asked him, "What do you love to do? What's your passion?" He listed things like history, current events, and public policy.Tim volunteered with the College Republicans and excelled in his new political science major. He interned with
Rep. Arlen Erdahl (R, MN-1), and with Sen. David Durenberger. Keenly aware that his degree didn't offer a clear career path, he immediately enrolled at the University of Minnesota Law School after completing his Bachelor's in 1983.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 8-9
May 10, 2010
On Tax Reform:
Increase taxes only if necessary; & with automatic repeal
In his words [in a 1992 article on Pawlenty], "what we have become is accountants for Democrats. We are the ones saying we can't do this or that because it's too expensive. That's an important function, but that's all we're perceived as saying. Most
people don't want accountants as leaders."Pawlenty was a strong proponent of limited government and lower taxes. He was asked before the election: "If a tax increase is absolutely necessary to balance the budget, what kind of tax hike would you favor?
His response: "Taxes should be increased only if absolutely necessary. Under such circumstances, any tax increase should be temporary and have an automatic repeal provision.
As to the types of taxes that might be increased in emergency circumstances, very small increases on a variety of taxes should be considered to avoid a disproportionate impact by any one tax-paying sector of the state's economy."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 12
May 10, 2010
On Tax Reform:
Tax cuts stimulate economy; create jobs; & raise revenue
In 1999, Pawlenty wrote: "Pres. Clinton should sign the Republican tax plan. Presidents Kennedy & Reagan were both tax cutters and knew that tax cuts stimulate the economy, produce more private investment, start more businesses, create more jobs--and
create more tax revenues! That's right, serious students of the Reagan & Kennedy tax cuts know that tax revenues increased after the tax cuts were enacted. The same will be true in MN. Even after huge tax cuts, tax revenues in MN will increase."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 17
May 10, 2010
On Tax Reform:
No-new-tax pledge, but increased 60 fees
The critical test of Pawlenty's first term was whether he would honor his no-new-taxes pledge. Democrats, the media, and special interest groups applied constant pressure on Pawlenty to raise taxes.
Pawlenty was resolute in his no-new-taxes pledge. Democrats and Republicans alike doubted he could make it through his first legislative session without agreeing to the endless demands for tax increases. He did.
No tax hike was signed into law.The only catch was that his pledge didn't apply to state fees, tuition, or local property taxes, all of which rose.
Pawlenty's 60 fee increases in the first year were especially irksome, labeled by some as "stealth taxes." Pawlenty said there was nothing stealthy about them: "People will know exactly what they are paying for the services they get."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 33-34
May 10, 2010
On Technology:
2007: 5-cent gas tax to replace bridges after I-35 collapse
The seminal tragedy of Pawlenty's second term was the collapse of the I-35W bridge in 2007, killing 13 people. The state was forced to review the safety of all its bridges and make substantial improvements. In a startling turnaround, Pawlenty agreed to a
5-cent gas-tax increase--an idea he once called an "onerous and unnecessary burden"--to fund the projects. In the extraordinary circumstances, the tax increase appeared justified to Minnesotans.
Most were pleased with his handling of the crisis; his approval rating climbed to 59%. Four months after the collapse,
Pawlenty proposed borrowing a historic $1 billion to replace over 600 deteriorating bridges across the state.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 46-47
May 10, 2010
On War & Peace:
2006: Growing problems in Iraq, but withdrawal disastrous
Pawlenty visited Iraq in February 2004 with five other governors, and later gave President Bush his eyewitness account of conditions there. In March 2006, he visited Iraq again with a delegation led by Senator John McCain. He acknowledged the military's
growing problems in the region--"In many ways, it has been two steps forward and one step back"--but said withdrawing troops could be disastrous: "It has the potential of creating turmoil in the Middle East [at] a profound level."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 37
May 10, 2010
On War & Peace:
2007: Supported the surge; we're going all in
Pawlenty supported Pres. Bush's efforts in Iraq. In March 2007, he met in Baghdad with Gen. Petraeus, who briefed him on the impending "surge" of 21,500 additional US troops. Pawlenty commented:"I'd call myself a skeptic as to whether you can really
turn it around after we let the situation deteriorate so badly. But now we're going all in with the surge. Petraeus is committed to make it work. Petraeus also said that if it's not working, he's going to say so. I put faith in his commitment to candor."
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 58
May 10, 2010
On Welfare & Poverty:
Metropolitan poverty bill: Express to Success Transit System
[In a 1992 article, Pawlenty was described as] an atypical Republican because he was concerned about poverty. He said Republicans needed to do a better job of articulating an agenda that met people's needs. Pawlenty made good on his campaign promise
to address poverty. He introduced a "metropolitan poverty reduction bill" to increase jobs and affordable housing throughout the Twin Cities in both urban and suburban areas.
The proposal included development of low-income housing in the wealthier suburbs; various tax credits and business incentives to spur job creation; an "Express to Success Transit
System" for low-income city residents working in the suburbs; and a program to help move people from welfare to work. The bill was side-tracked when Democrats introduced a far more extreme proposal that ultimately was vetoed.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 12-14
May 10, 2010
On Welfare & Poverty:
Rural poverty JOBZ program: Job Opportunity Building Zones
Pawlenty's signature legislation for addressing rural poverty was the Job Opportunity Building Zones (JOBZ) program. Under JOBZ, impoverished rural areas were designated as tax-free zones to generate entrepreneurship and investment.
Companies in the zones were exempted from income taxes, property taxes, and state and local sales taxes. The goal was to stop Minnesota from hemorrhaging manufacturing jobs, to revitalize impoverished regions, and to compete with low-tax neighbors like
South Dakota. The JOBZ program was a moderate success, receiving mixed reviews years later.
The program was helpful in attracting out-of-state businesses, but questioned whether it was cost-effective given the loss of tax revenue.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 35
May 10, 2010
On Welfare & Poverty:
2005: Established state council on faith-based initiatives
Following the example of President Bush, Pawlenty signed an executive order establishing a state council on faith-based initiatives, the Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives.
The council was charged with matching the faith-based organizations with state and federal grants. The 15-member board was given a budget of $175,000.
Source: Sam's Club Republican, by J.A. McClure, p. 36
May 10, 2010
Page last updated: Feb 22, 2019