Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), a potential presidential candidate, has taped a new ad for the Minnesota Republican Party in the state’s open gubernatorial race, promoting GOP nominee Tom Emmer in the race to succeed him.
In the ad, Pawlenty touts his record in Minnesota, while also supporting Emmer and attacking Democrat Mark Dayton and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner.
“Making tough decisions. That’s what being governor is all about. I stood my ground on taxes, and now Minnesota is positioned to lead the nation in job growth,” says Pawlenty. “Only Tom Emmer has promised not to raise job-killing taxes. Mark Dayton’s plan: raise income taxes. Tom Horner’s plan: expand the sales tax to clothes. Only Tom Emmer’s plan will grow jobs by cutting wasteful government spending and holding the line on taxes. The choice is clear. Minnesota needs Tom Emmer.”
Pawlenty does have a stake in this race. He is of course widely viewed as a possible presidential candidate. In that context, it might not look too good if his state’s voters were to elect a Dem governor to succeed him, and in the middle of an otherwise Republican year.
The TPM Poll Average gives Dayton 39.5%, Emmer 35.4%, and Horner 15.2%.
