Pawlenty Rides High

We have several times expressed our admiration for Minnesota’s new Governor, Tim Pawlenty. Like most states, Minnesota is facing a substantial budget shortfall. Pawlenty was the only one of four candidates for Governor who pledged to solve the state’s budget problems without raising taxes. Since taking office he has held firm to that pledge, and survey data indicate he has the support of a clear majority of Minnesotans. Today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that its Minnesota Poll has Pawlenty with a 60% approval rating. And given what the Trunk has exposed about the Minnesota Poll’s methods, we can be sure that figure is a minimum. One could hope that Tim’s example is inspiring other governors to hold the line on taxes, but I don’t have the sense that that is happening in many states.