Pawlenty surprised by new Pawlenty book
Gov. Pawlenty says he can't shed any light on a mysterious book that's gone on sale, even though he's the subject of the 100-page paperback.
Amazon.com lists Governor Tim Pawlenty: The Sam's Club Republican by J.A. McClure for sale at $9.95. The publisher is CreateSpace, an Amazon-owned self publishing operation.
Pawlenty told reporters that the book just came to his attention this afternoon.
"I don't know anything about it," Pawlenty said. "I don't know what's in it. I never heard about it. I was never contacted about it."
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The book didn't have Pawlenty's blessing, but that didn't stop his Freedom First PAC from becoming a sponsoring link on the Amazon.com page.
Here's the book description from Amazon.com:
"We are the party of Sam's Club, not just the country club." These words define Tim Pawlenty as a politician. By the time he spoke them at the 2001 State Republican Convention, he was already well on his way to transforming Minnesota's political landscape. The goal was to re-brand the Republican Party with a type of "contemporary conservatism," broadening the party's base without compromising conservative values. Pawlenty accomplished his goal. He served as governor from 2002 to 2010, successfully shifting Minnesota from center-left to center-right. It's no surprise party leaders vetted him for Vice President in 2008 and continue to mention his name for national roles. J. A. McClure tells the story of Pawlenty's humble beginnings in South St. Paul, his action-packed political campaigns, his accomplished tenures in the Minnesota House and governor's office, and his prospects for a national career. Drawing from hundreds of articles and interviews, McClure presents a thorough and fair introduction to a man destined for leadership.
Pawlenty announced in April that he had signed a book deal with Tyndale House Publishers. His memoir is expected in 2011.