Outgoing Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), who many see as a potential 2012 presidential candidate, is already nostalgic for the office he’s about to leave.
He told the Duluth News Tribune editorial board that now that Republicans control the Minnesota Legislature, he regrets not seeking reelection.
Pawlenty said he made the decision not to seek reelection after Democrats swept the 2008 elections, adding that “hindsight is 20/20.”
During the conversation, he continued to reflect on his eight years in office, calling Minnesota a model of fiscal responsibility under his leadership.
But when pressed on whether he will announce a presidential run, Pawlenty changed the subject to his upcoming book tour.
“If I don’t run for president I’m going to open a margarita bar in south Florida and play Kenny Chesney music,” he said.
h/t Political Wire
David Taintor
David Taintor is the Front Page Editor at TPM, where he contributes to TPM's Livewire coverage, among other areas. David is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, where, yes, it gets very cold. Reach him at taintor [at] talkingpointsmemo.com
Facebook Conversations
Questions about commenting with non-Facebook accounts like Yahoo, or other concerns? Click here to read the TPM Commenting FAQ.