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Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell gestures as he speaks during |
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty made a campaign swing in Virginia for Republican candidate Bob McDonnell yesterday.
Pawlenty, whose name has been floated as a potential presidential contender in 2012, talked with college Republicans at the University of Mary Washington, and held a press conference and fundraiser with McDonnell in Richmond.
He told the several dozen supporters--a mix of college students and older people--that the biggest priority for a governor in this economy is to help create jobs and help small businesses create jobs.
"The most important thing we can do for our states is to make sure there's an ample supply of jobs," Pawlenty said.
He praised McDonnell's push for business-friendly tax and regulatory policy.
Pawlenty brushed aside an audience member's hint about his own 2012 plans.
"This race is about Virginia," he said. "None of us should be misfocused about anything."
He said this year's gubernatorial elections--Virginia has one and New Jersey the other--will be "a very good test for Republicans," who can gauge from election results whether their messages and ideas are "getting traction and support."
Pawlenty is vice-chairman of the Republican Governors Association and made his stops in Virginia, as well as a visit to New Jersey last week, in that capacity.
He called the two races a bellwether, in that they could indicate a trend in national politics. But he also cautioned Virginia voters to chose a governor based on the state's needs.
"I think everybody needs to focus on these races for their state and not make it into something else," Pawlenty told reporters.
Earlier in the day yesterday, Pawlenty campaigned with McDonnell in Richmond. The two men faced a chaotic and, at times, contentious news conference.
The event began 20 minutes late and was dominated by questions about a strongly conservative college thesis he wrote in 1989 and tried to renounce in a lengthy conference call and public events over the past 10 days.
At the Richmond news conference, the two men spoke largely on partisan federal battles consuming Congress--the health reform debate, the cap-and-trade energy legislation and a bill Republicans regard as too pro-union.
Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com
