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Pawlenty Announces Formation of Presidential Exploratory Committee
MINNEAPOLIS -- Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today he is forming an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States and filed papers with the Federal Election Commission to create the Pawlenty for President Exploratory Committee.
The Governor made his announcement in a video posted on Facebook. He is the first presidential candidate in history to launch his campaign on the social network. Watch the announcement at www.Facebook.com/TimPawlenty.
"We have a great country, but we're headed in the wrong direction. We need a real debate with President Obama, so the American people can decide how to get this country back on track," Governor Pawlenty said. "I will unite the Republican Party around my optimistic vision. We need to make the tough decisions to reform and renew the American dream. I am looking forward to making my case."
Following the announcement, Governor Pawlenty's exploratory committee launched a new website at www.TimPawlenty.com. The new website features PawlentyAction, which empowers supporters to organize and communicate online.
Earlier this year, Governor Pawlenty completed his second term as governor of Minnesota. During his 8 years in office, he cut taxes and spending and passed market-based health care and education reforms. He was one of only four governors to receive an "A" grade for fiscal responsibility from the Cato Institute.
Governor Pawlenty lives in Eagan, Minnesota, with his wife, Mary, and two teenage daughters, Anna and Mara.
Tim Pawlenty email to supporters
Exclusive: My Announcement
Dear Friend,
As you may have heard, today I took a big step toward running for the presidency in 2012 by announcing the formation of a presidential exploratory committee.
This step allows me to travel the country as a candidate meeting people like you and speaking about my positive, growth-oriented vision for our country.
I know many Americans are worried about our country’s future. But I also know there are brighter days ahead if we commit to a pro-growth economic agenda, stop out of control spending, and tackle the entitlements programs that are saddling our ability to compete in the world.
For the last 8 years, I got things done as governor of Minnesota: Standing up to public employees unions, cutting spending and rejecting tax increases. It wasn’t easy, but these fiscally responsible policies helped my state be a leader in economic growth and job creation.
I know what it takes to defeat the liberal establishment and stop out-of-control spending because I’ve done it. We need to do that in America, and that’s one of the big reasons I launched this committee today.
I’m confident this campaign will succeed, but my wife Mary and I are realistic about the hard work and long road ahead. Many of my likely primary opponents have run for national office before and are already household names. And President Obama is already raising money for his billion-dollar re-election campaign.
That's why I’m asking you to donate to my campaign today, on Day 1. When we win, Mary and I want to know you supported us since the very beginning.
If you share my optimism in America and conviction that we can succeed, I hope you will make a financial contribution to my exploratory committee today at www.timpawlenty.com. While you are there be sure to check out the other ways to get involved.
Thank you for your consideration, past support and may God bless you.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
Source: Tim Pawlenty 2012 Exploratory Committee Website
Gov. Tim Pawlenty Officially Announces Campaign for President
Governor says now is "A Time for Truth"
DES MOINES - Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced today that he is running for President, telling voters at a town hall event in Des Moines, Iowa that "it's time for new leadership, with a new approach."
"The time has come for America’s president – and anyone who wants to be president – to look you in the eye and tell you the truth," Gov. Pawlenty said. "If we don’t change directions in 2012, if we do not move quickly and decisively, if we are not willing to chip in to sacrifice some of our own comfort and convenience for the lives and liberties of our children, it may be too late."
Gov. Pawlenty's official announcement kicks off a week-long, multi-state tour devoted to telling Americans the truth about the challenges facing America, and laying out specific ideas for getting the country back on track. Pawlenty will host a Facebook town hall on Tuesday and deliver remarks at the Cato Institute on Wednesday. He will travel to New Hampshire and New York on Thursday and Friday.
"Tomorrow I’m going to Florida, to look both young people and seniors in the eye and tell them the truth, that our entitlement programs are on an unsustainable path. And that inaction is no longer an option," Pawlenty said in Des Moines. "Conventional wisdom says you can’t talk about ethanol in Iowa or Social Security in Florida or financial reform on Wall Street. But someone has to say it. Someone has to finally stand up and level with the American people. Someone has to lead."
With the nation facing difficult challenges, Governor Pawlenty pointed to his record in Minnesota as evidence that conservative leadership can lead to a brighter future.
"In Minnesota, I cut taxes, cut spending, instituted health care choice and performance pay for teachers, reformed our union benefits, and appointed constitutional conservatives to the Supreme Court," Governor Pawlenty said. "The problems we face as a nation are severe. But if we could move Minnesota in a common sense, conservative direction, we can do it anywhere -- even in Washington D.C."
Governor Pawlenty's announcement comes less than five months after he completed his second term as Governor of Minnesota. First elected governor in 2002, Governor Pawlenty promised to balance budgets without raising taxes — a promise he kept. Instead, he was honest with voters about the choices necessary to restrain out-of-control spending. It wasn't easy: His budget fights led to the first government shutdown in Minnesota's history, a 44-day transit strike, and a record number of vetoes and budget unallotments. His success earned him an A grade in fiscal responsibility from the Cato Institute — one of only four governors to receive the libertarian group's highest ranking.
One of five children, Pawlenty grew up near the stockyards of South St. Paul. His father was a truck driver and his mother passed away when he was young. Pawlenty worked while attending the University of Minnesota, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. He went on to earn his law degree and become a criminal prosecutor before being elected to the Eagan City Council in 1989, and the Minnesota state House in 1992.
Tim Pawlenty has been married for over 20 years to his wife, Mary, a former district judge. The Pawlentys have two teenage daughters, Anna and Mara, and attend Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Excerpts of Governor Pawlenty’s Announcement Address
"I'm Tim Pawlenty, and I'm running for President of the United States. We live in the greatest country the world has ever known. But, as we all know, America is in big trouble, and it won't get fixed if we keep going down the same path. If we want a new and better direction, we need a new and better President."
"President Obama's policies have failed. But more than that, he won't even tell us the truth about what it's really going to take to get out of the mess we're in. … I'm going to take a different approach. I am going to tell you the truth."
"We've tried Barack Obama's way -- and his way has failed. Three years into his term, we're no longer just running out of money. We're running out of time. It's time for new leadership. It's time for a new approach. And, it's time for America's president - and anyone who wants to be president - to look you in the eye and tell you the truth."
"The changes history is calling on America to make today cannot be shouldered only by people richer than us, or poorer than us - but by us, too. Politicians are often afraid that if they're too honest, they might lose an election. I'm afraid that in 2012, if we're not honest enough, we may lose our country. If we want to grow our economy, we need to shrink our government. If we want to create jobs, we need to encourage job creators. If we want our children to be free to pursue their dreams, we can't shackle them with our debts. This is a time for truth."
"No president deserves to win an election by dividing the American people - picking winners and losers, protecting his own party's spending and cutting only the other guys'; pitting classes, and ethnicities, and generations against each other. The truth is, we're all in this together. So we need to work to get out of this mess together. I'll unite our party and unite our nation, because to solve a fourteen-trillion-dollar problem, we're going to need three hundred million people."
"In Minnesota and in Washington, the issues were the same: taxes, spending, health care, unions, and the courts. But in Washington, Barack Obama has consistently stood for higher taxes, more spending, more government, more powerful special interests, and less individual freedom. In Minnesota, I cut taxes, cut spending, instituted health care choice and performance pay for teachers, reformed our union benefits, and appointed constitutional conservatives to the Supreme Court. That is how you lead a liberal state in a conservative direction."
Solutions
Dear Friend,
Today in Iowa, I announced that I'm running for President of the United States of America.
Watch the announcement video and read my op-ed in the USA today.
For too many years, politicians have made empty promises. So today in Iowa I didn’t promise that we can eliminate a 14 trillion dollar debt, create jobs for 10 million people, restructure social security and healthcare, overhaul an education system that fails 40% of our children – all without any real sacrifice, or tough decisions.
And I didn’t promise a freer, happier, more prosperous America that requires you to do nothing but vote for me.
Instead, I just told the truth.
The truth is: our country’s in trouble.
We have far too much debt, too much government spending, and too few jobs.
We need a President who understands that our problems are deep, and that happy talk won’t fix them. We need a President who has the courage to face them. President Obama does not. I do.
Please join me on this campaign around the country in the days and weeks ahead. You won’t hear empty promises. You will hear a lot of solutions. Show your support by donating today to help us defeat President Obama.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
A Time For Truth
Dear Friend,
I wanted you to be among the first to know that tomorrow, I will be in Iowa to announce that I’m running for President of the United States of America. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch this video previewing tomorrow's announcement:
We need a President who will tell the American people the truth about the severe challenges facing our nation and how we can get America back on track. President Obama won't do that. I will.
After the announcement in Iowa, I'm going to Florida on Tuesday to host a special Facebook Townhall to talk about some of the specific things we must do to solve our nation's fiscal mess. I hope you'll join me in this important online discussion by clicking here to RSVP.
Together, we will change our country, and this time it’ll be for the better.
Sincerely,
Tim Pawlenty
P.S. – To defeat President Obama and save our country, we're going to need all the help we can get. Please contribute today to get our country back on track.
Source: Tim Pawlenty 2012 Committee Website
Gov. Tim Pawlenty Focuses on Results in First Television Ad of 2012 Election Cycle
MINNEAPOLIS – Pawlenty for President launched the first Iowa television advertisement in the 2012 presidential campaign today. "Results Not Rhetoric" focuses on Gov. Pawlenty's strong record of results in Minnesota. During his two terms as governor, he used innovative and conservative leadership to cut spending, reform health care and improve schools.
"We've had three years of empty talk and rhetoric that is not working and some candidates seem hungry to offer a lot more," said Pawlenty for President Communications Director Ann Marie Hauser. "But the question voters will ultimately ask is 'who has actually done it?' When they do, they will find Governor Pawlenty's results — not rhetoric — for American families are second to no other candidate in this race."
Script:
“A lot of candidates will come to Iowa and say the same things. The question is, have they done it?
In a liberal state, I reduced spending in real terms for the first time,
Took on the government unions and won,
Appointed a conservative supreme court.
And passed health care reform the right way – no mandates, no takeovers.
If I can do it in Minnesota, we can do it in Washington.
I’m Tim Pawlenty, and I approved this message.”
@timpawlenty: Attn: Hawkeye state voters! We have an Iowa Straw Poll site just for you. Pls sign up and join us http://iowastrawpoll2011.com/ #iacaucus
It All Starts In Iowa
Hello -
Today in Iowa we launched a new TV ad talking about my record and vision for our nation. You can watch the ad here.
For three years, Americans have had a President who has made things worse and has no economic plan, only a campaign plan. I believe this race will come down to who has produced real results and has a real plan, not empty rhetoric.
But we need your help to make sure every person has a chance to see this ad and learn about my record.
Please join me today and donate to help us run this ad and reach as many Iowans as possible.
For far too long we have been burdening our children with piles of debt.
For far too long we have seen our court system handed over to activist judges.
And for far too long we have had leaders that will not make the hard decisions.
The Ames Straw Poll in Iowa is in less than 8 weeks and we need your help. America is exceptional and together we will get our country back on track but I need you to join our team now.
Mary and I are excited to be in Iowa in the coming weeks. We are committed to this fight and look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Tim
P.S. If you live in Iowa and would like to join us for the Iowa Straw Poll on August 13, please visit our website at IowaStrawPoll2011.com for more details.
Source: Tim Pawlenty 2012 Website
Gov. Tim Pawlenty Focuses on Results in First Television Ad of 2012 Election Cycle
MINNEAPOLIS – Pawlenty for President launched the first Iowa television advertisement in the 2012 presidential campaign today. "Results Not Rhetoric" focuses on Gov. Pawlenty's strong record of results in Minnesota. During his two terms as governor, he used innovative and conservative leadership to cut spending, reform health care and improve schools.
"We've had three years of empty talk and rhetoric that is not working and some candidates seem hungry to offer a lot more," said Pawlenty for President Communications Director Ann Marie Hauser. "But the question voters will ultimately ask is 'who has actually done it?' When they do, they will find Governor Pawlenty's results — not rhetoric — for American families are second to no other candidate in this race."
Script:
“A lot of candidates will come to Iowa and say the same things. The question is, have they done it?
In a liberal state, I reduced spending in real terms for the first time,
Took on the government unions and won,
Appointed a conservative supreme court.
And passed health care reform the right way – no mandates, no takeovers.
If I can do it in Minnesota, we can do it in Washington.
I’m Tim Pawlenty, and I approved this message.”
@timpawlenty: Attn: Hawkeye state voters! We have an Iowa Straw Poll site just for you. Pls sign up and join us http://iowastrawpoll2011.com/ #iacaucus
It All Starts In Iowa
Hello -
Today in Iowa we launched a new TV ad talking about my record and vision for our nation. You can watch the ad here.
For three years, Americans have had a President who has made things worse and has no economic plan, only a campaign plan. I believe this race will come down to who has produced real results and has a real plan, not empty rhetoric.
But we need your help to make sure every person has a chance to see this ad and learn about my record.
Please join me today and donate to help us run this ad and reach as many Iowans as possible.
For far too long we have been burdening our children with piles of debt.
For far too long we have seen our court system handed over to activist judges.
And for far too long we have had leaders that will not make the hard decisions.
The Ames Straw Poll in Iowa is in less than 8 weeks and we need your help. America is exceptional and together we will get our country back on track but I need you to join our team now.
Mary and I are excited to be in Iowa in the coming weeks. We are committed to this fight and look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Tim
P.S. If you live in Iowa and would like to join us for the Iowa Straw Poll on August 13, please visit our website at IowaStrawPoll2011.com for more details.
Source: Tim Pawlenty 2012 Website
From Tim and Mary
Hello Friends -
It was a great honor to run for President.
It has been an even a greater honor to have friends and supporters like you. Mary and I are incredibly grateful to each of you for your friendship, loyalty and hard work. We deeply appreciate it and will always remember and cherish your kindness.
I wish things had turned out differently. We needed to get a boost at the Ames Straw poll for our campaign to remain viable going forward. As you know, that didn't happen and I withdrew from the race.
Today, Mary and I are driving Anna to start her freshman year at college. As we reflect on this family milestone, we're reminded of what matters most.
We will be taking time to prayerfully consider what is next. One thing is for sure, I remain committed to turning this country around, getting a Republican elected to the White House and advancing the values we share in common and hold so dear.
Again, our warmest wishes and deepest thanks to all of you.
Sincerely,
Tim and Mary
Source: Tim Pawlenty 2012 Website
From Tim and Mary
Hello Friends -
It was a great honor to run for President.
It has been an even a greater honor to have friends and supporters like you. Mary and I are incredibly grateful to each of you for your friendship, loyalty and hard work. We deeply appreciate it and will always remember and cherish your kindness.
I wish things had turned out differently. We needed to get a boost at the Ames Straw poll for our campaign to remain viable going forward. As you know, that didn't happen and I withdrew from the race.
Today, Mary and I are driving Anna to start her freshman year at college. As we reflect on this family milestone, we're reminded of what matters most.
We will be taking time to prayerfully consider what is next. One thing is for sure, I remain committed to turning this country around, getting a Republican elected to the White House and advancing the values we share in common and hold so dear.
Again, our warmest wishes and deepest thanks to all of you.
Sincerely,
Tim and Mary
Source: Tim Pawlenty 2012 Website