Open Discussion: What's next for Pawlenty?

I approve of his fiscal conservatism whenever it does not have an adverse affect on something I especially care about.

He's done a pretty good job. The DFL wants to raise taxes when times are good and when times are bad. So if he weren't there, we'd be in even more trouble. The DFL has an insatiable need to spend, it's never enough, so I glad we have him.

We'll see how it goes in the next few years. Conservatives are looking for a new leader, so the time is right for people to step up. Having the guts to stand up to all this madness the we call "change" might position him well in the coming years. Once people find out that all this runaway spending is going to bring on some mean inflation, people will be yearning for some fiscal restraint, and Pawlenty shown it.

If I were him, I wouldn't announce yet, I'd let the local media wring their hands over this for much longer. The local media hates him. But I realize that running for Pres takes alot of bucks, and the continual campaign never ends.

3 1/2 years is a long time.

I hope he will retire to a life of quiet, gainfully-employed obscurity.

Pawlenty has a lot of potential in the national political arena. He's young, "fresh," and more moderate than many of his conservative colleagues, so he is positioned well to take on a larger role. He's handled things well enough in Minnesota, but he has higher political ambitions, and I'm sure he would likely go far running in the next presidential election.

Guilford, Emily, and Baya: You all seem to suggest a mixed review of his record as governor. You approve of his fiscal conservatism when it doesn't hurt something you care especially about, or you think "he's handled things well enough," or you hope he retires to a non-political life.

Any more definite insight into what he's done well and what you think could have been improved? Anyone else have anything to add?

Question about his biggest accomplishment: Keeping Minn. competitive, keeping a lid on taxes...support members of the military...education reforms...we are the nation-leading state on a clean-energy future...cites need for more health care reform but made "great strides"

I'll give Pawlenty some credit for helping our create our state energy guidelines but he has helped block any reliable funding for transit and was very late offering any support for rail transit projects. I believe his rigid refusal to adequately fund state social services, education and infrastructure has made us less competitive and is, in part, to blame for our our state not being as strong a regional leader as it once was in job creation and economic vitality.

Thanks for the comment Michael - I hope it was clear I was trying to transcribe what Pawlenty was saying about his performance.

Farewell Tim,

You have been an incredible example of the benefits of sticking to a philosophy... no matter what. You have outshone Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Who can replace you? Who will unfailingly follow your example?

I think we can all agree Michelle Bachman would be an excellent replacement. She is a true conservative - no matter what. She is most suited by temperament and judgment to follow in your footsteps and continue your great legacy.

Great job Tim! You are a real Pal.

As I'm listening I'm navigating through his timeline.

The real pressure will be on the Democrats. The Dem's hadn't had a governor since Arne Carlson.

Think of this, many years ago, a guy named Humphrey finished last! The problem is the DFL keeps chosing a hardcore lefty that makes a third party candidate look good.

Though many may think the Republicans will be saddled by the "allotment" proceedure, the Dems have it just as bad for being the party of one thing "more taxes, more government" when times are good, more taxes, when times are bad, more taxes.

"E-85? I don't know what that is. What is this? Quizbowl?"  I love using this line when talking amoungst Democrats!

I could see Delano's Tom Emmer running for Gov. He's a tough no nonsence guy. Which seeing that we will have runaway inflation in two years, we will be looking for leadership.

was a Pawlenty delegate back when he and Sullivan had their late night convention. It was getting very ugly on the floor that night, ballot after ballot. It could have been very destructive, but I'm glad it worked out great.

Something to think about, we don't need a person in the same elective office more than 8 years! That goes for Pawlenty, Pogimiller, and them all. So, it's a good thing.

Changes Pawlenty will continue to push in next 19 months include pay differentials for teachers based on what's needed...need more math and science teachers? They should earn more in salary...

Also, he hopes to instill a  vision for next 19 years.

Minnesota wonderful, but tends to dwell on how things used to be...must look to the future…bygone technology, tax code, higher education, human services…

I see no opinion on my Bachman suggestion. I see a great deal of support for de facto term limits. Therefore, what about Ben Whitney, who is a strong supporter of term limits?

Gov. Pawlenty spoke about his proudest achievements--keeping a lid on taxes, healthcare and education reform, making Minnesota a national leader in green policies--and what he hopes to continue in his last 19 months as governor in a news conference that ended moments ago.

He reiterated throughout the conference that he does not know his future plans. He said he expects to be out and about Minnesota in his final months, and that he expects to finish his term, which he likened to a marathon, strong.

Though the news conference is now over, I look forward to your continued discussion and perspectives right here.

Now that Pawlenty has announced his intention not to seek a third term, the field of those considering a run for Minnesota governor in 2010 has ballooned to 6 Republicans and 11 Democrats. Who would you like to see take over for Pawlenty? What do you hope he or she can bring to the job?

Delano's Tom Emmer. We is very no nonsence and very take charge. With the coming of runaway inflation, our state will be in even more of a crisis.

Seeing the current size of our government in not sustainable, he will keep government at bay.

Midday ran a program about this today. Listen here.