Kline on Prez race: “I just want to see how the field develops”
GOP Rep. John Kline says he's staying out of the 2012 race for president now that Republican Tim Pawlenty has dropped out of the race. Kline was an initial backer of Pawlenty's campaign. He worked to secure support for Pawlenty among his colleagues in the U.S. House and hosted fundraisers for Pawlenty in Washington D.C.
Kline, who represents Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District, said he was surprised by Pawlenty's poor showing in the Iowa Straw poll but said Pawlenty made the right decision to drop out of the race. Kline says he's not prepared to back another candidate.
"I just want to see how the field develops," Kline told MPR News. "I had a lot vested in my friend and constituent and former governor. I'm not at all eager to just jump in someplace else."
Kline said he wasn't prepared to back GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's campaign. Bachmann represents Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District which borders part of Kline's district.
Kline called Bachmann "a friend" who "has certainly been a powerful force in the presidential race" but Kline suggested he believes the experience of a governor or a major military commander is best suited for a presidential candidate.
"I think that's the background you need," Kline said.
(H/T Mark Zdechlik)
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