Pawlenty eyes return to national stage but in a new GOP era
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (AP) — long ago, in a seemingly distant political universe, Tim Pawlenty was a fresh-faced Republican star with blue-collar appeal and presidential prospects.
Not The former Minnesota governor is now a high-powered banking lobbyist, and he's eyeing a climb back onto the national stage.
An unexpected Senate election next year, created by Democrat Al Franken's resignation after sexual harassment allegations, has created the opening. Some GOP power players are looking expectantly at Pawlenty as their best chance to take a Senate seat in a Democratic-leaning state with an unorthodox streak.