Newt Gingrich says Pawlenty should run in 2012
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Politico over the weekend that Gov. Pawlenty should run for president in 2012:
Pawlenty is "certainly going to be a player. There is every reason he should run, there is wide open field right now," Gingrich said. "He's an example that the future of the Republican Party is bright and that we have lots of talent."
Pawlenty launched his Freedom First political action committee last week and announced the support of some topflight GOP campaign talent, including many who helped President George W. Bush secure reelection in 2004.
The Minnesota governor, who announced earlier this year he would not seek a third term, has increased his public profile lately through dozens of speeches to Republican activists and a steady stream of appearances on cable TV.
Pawlenty still has a low national profile, compared to former Republican Govs. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Sarah Palin of Alaska and Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. But Gingrich told POLITICO that if unemployment remains near double digits heading into 2012, the Minnesota governor "could definitely take on the president."
"We need someone who is principled, articulate and practical. And I think Pawlenty would fit all three of those," Gingrich said. "It's a long way from starting to winning, as Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney and a lot of other people can share with Pawlenty. But it's great to have him out there."
"He's going to add new energy and more excitement to the game," the former Republican House speaker of Georgia said of Pawlenty. "He's going to draw more Republicans in and make our chances in 2010 even better."
Meanwhile, one of Pawlenty's potential GOP rivals has been busy on the fundraising circuit. The Hill says former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has been active raising money for his federal Political Action Committee.
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