Penny praises McCain, casts doubt on Pawlenty
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Former Democrat turned Independent Tim Penny appeared at a GOP sponsored news conference to offer support for Republican John McCain. The news conference, which was held a mile from Denver's Pepsi Center, was meant to counter the Democratic goodwill at the convention. Penny, who endorsed McCain last year, said McCain has more experience than Democrat Barack Obama.
"I went to Congress with John McCain in 1982. I know him. I trust him. What I know about John McCain is that he's a true statesman who will always put the country first."
Penny served in Congress as a DFLer. He later became an Independent and lost his 2002 bid for governor to Republican Tim Pawlenty. When asked whether he thought Pawlenty would make a good running mate, Penny said:
"I don't think he's had a very remarkable record as governor. He focused mostly on easy issues and popular issues and this is a step up and I'm not sure he's as well prepared as others for this step up but it's McCain's choice to make."
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