Pawlenty, Bachmann react to debt ceiling deal

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who's running for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, is not a fan of the proposed debt ceiling solution. Pawlenty's spokesman Alex Conant released the following statement Monday morning.

"This deal is nothing to celebrate. Only in Washington would the political class think it's a victory when the government narrowly avoids default, agrees to go further into debt, and does little to reform a spending system that cannot be sustained by our children and grandchildren. While no further evidence was needed, this entire debt ceiling fiasco demonstrates that President Obama must be replaced."

Rep. Michele Bachmann, who's also running for the GOP presidential nomination, released a statement Sunday night repeating her opposition to raising the debt ceiling.

"Mr. President, I'm not sure what voice you're listening to, but I can assure you that the voice of the American people wasn't the 'voice that compelled Washington to act.' It was you that got us into this mess, and it was you who wanted a $2.4 trillion dollar blank check to get you through the election."

"Everywhere I travel across the country, Americans want less spending, lower taxes to create jobs, and they don't want us to raise the debt ceiling. The President continues to press for a 'balanced approach,' which everyone knows is code for increased spending and taxes. Throughout this process the President has failed to lead and failed to provide a plan. The 'deal' he announced spends too much and doesn't cut enough. This isn't the deal the American people 'preferred' either, Mr. President. Someone has to say no. I will."

Unlike Pawlenty, Bachmann will get a chance to vote against the deal.

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