What do we know about Pawlenty, if anything?
Recognized as a pro-life leader by “Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life”
Has appointed judicial conservatives to the bench, and recently drew praise from pro-life advocates for his appointment of Eric Magnuson as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
Fought for and signed pro-life measures including: Woman’s Right to Know (requiring 24 hour waiting period and required information be provided before an abortion), a fetal pain awareness act (requiring notice and information regarding pain experienced by fetuses) and positive alternatives to abortion act (providing funding and support for organizations promoting alternatives to abortion).
Believes life begins at conception
Strong desire to overturn Roe v. Wade
Opposes embryonic stem-cell research while supporting adult stem cell research
Achieved long-standing state goal of moving Minnesota out of the top ten highest taxed states according to the U.S. Census Bureau
In 2003, resolved the largest budget deficit in state history and the largest budget deficit in the nation at the time (as percent of state budget) without raising taxes
Vetoed all bills which increased taxes, including setting single session record for vetoes (34) by a Minnesota Governor
Supported Performance Pay for politicians, which would dock the pay of state office holders if a balanced budget is not passed by the constitutional deadline
Has keep state employment roles essentially flat during his 5+ years in office.
Proposed and signed into law welfare reform that requires able-bodied people to seek work
As majority leader in Minnesota legislature, fought for and achieved historic tax cuts.
Supports an Initiative and Referendum Amendment to the state constitution to empower citizens to make and repeal laws
Cracked down on meth dealers and sex offenders with tougher penalties
Required released sex offenders to wear GPS tracking bracelets
Proposed re-introducing the death penalty in Minnesota
Fought for and signed conceal-carry legislation
Strongly supported and endorsed by the NRA
Required visa expiration dates printed on driver licenses for legal resident aliens
Blocked passage of the DREAM Act which would have allowed in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
Fought Minneapolis and St. Paul ‘sanctuary’ laws, which prevent police and other city agencies from inquiring about immigrations status
Proposed state law enforcement task force to crack down on illegal immigration
Proposed state fines for the hiring of illegal workers
Proposed increased penalties for using false identification documents
“What do we know about Pawlenty, if anything?:
I don’t know much... I’d prefer that gal from Alaska.