The Minnesota Independent’s Paul Demko reports: Tim Pawlenty will announce whether he plans to seek a third term as governor this afternoon. The early word:
“„[Republican Minnesota Gov.] Tim Pawlenty will announce whether he plans to seek a third term as governor this afternoon. The early word: he’s not running for re-election. Both WCCO (Channel 4) political reporter Pat Kessler and Minnesota Public Radio’s Tom Scheck cite sourcesthat indicate Pawlenty has decided against seeking a third term and is dialing up national Republican leaders to deliver the news.
“„Running for re-election in 2010 would be a risky proposition for Pawlenty. He’s twice won office with less than 50 percent of the vote, and in 2008 he benefited from the implosion of Democrat Mike Hatch’s campaignin the final week before election day.