Minnesotans expect Gov. Tim Pawlenty to run for the Republican nomination for president in 2012, a new Rasmussen poll finds, with 59% of the state’s likely voters saying it’s either somewhat or very likely that he’ll go for it.
Only 29% think it’s not very likely or not at all likely, and another 11% are not sure.
However, the state is closely divided on Pawlenty’s performance as governor, with 53% approving and 46% disapproving. This shouldn’t be too surprising, as Minnesota is very much a Democratic state overall, and Pawlenty and the Dem-dominated legislature have been fighting over the state budget.
Also, only 37% say he is somewhat or very likely to actually win the nomination, with 55% saying it is not very likely or not at all likely. Another 8% were not sure. (Note: At this point in the 2012 cycle, this question does have a correct answer — and only 8% got it.)
