|
|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
Gov. Pawlenty: From opponent to proponent
|
|---|
| Parent(s) |
Candidate
|
| Contributor | Eric |
| Last Edited | Eric Apr 04, 2004 11:54am |
| Logged |
0
|
| Category | Perspective |
| Media | Newspaper - Star Tribune, The (Minneapolis - St. Paul) |
| News Date | Sunday, April 4, 2004 06:00:00 AM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Whether they're called flip-flops, adroit political maneuvers or honest changes of heart, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is compiling a sizable list of shifts on key issues after 15 months in office.
He has gone from opposing, as a House member, any public financing for stadiums to recently proposing a bill that would provide for just that. He has moved from typically voting against rail transit to strong support of the Northstar commuter rail line from Minneapolis to Big Lake.
He has shifted from resisting any expansion of gambling to opening the door to a state revenue-producing racino operation. Previously not known for finding fault with business, he has emerged as one of the nation's most outspoken critics of pharmaceutical companies.
And he has morphed from opponent of several large bonding bills into supporter of a host of investments in public amenities in his $760 million bonding proposal, including the Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Zoo.
Pawlenty says that there's less real change in all this than meets the eye and that things like his support of commuter rail were clearly signaled even before he was elected. Some of the shifts have been "data-driven," he says, a result of new information or changing circumstances. The few real reversals, such as on the stadium, represent a realization that governors have to solve problems and bridge gaps, he says.
"Minnesota needs leadership on tough issues and governors have responsibilities beyond that of legislators," Pawlenty said last week. He has not changed his bedrock values and conservative Republican ideals, Pawlenty said, but allows that it would be fair to call him "a pragmatic conservative." |
| Share |
|
|
2¢
|
|
| Article | Read Full Article |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|
