The John Adams Society
|
G. Larry Colson, Jr. |
Mark S. Sanquist |
Peder Mewis |
Susan Smith |
April 2010
The era of small government is over . . . government has to be more proactive, more aggressive.
- Tim Pawlenty, 2006
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY HAS SUPPORTED ethanol, mass transit, publicly financed stadiums, minimum wage increases, importation of price-controlled Canadian drugs, a “health impact” cigarette fee/tax, and a smoking ban. When the DFL proposed universal health care, his response was to expand the state’s child health care program. His health care task force recommended an individual mandate on residents to buy health insurance.
This is not the record of a small-government, free market conservative. A search of the Pawlenty record for guiding principles and core beliefs yields little beyond a desire to placate liberal critics and get re-elected. Last year, when vying for a spot on the McCain ticket, Pawlenty was a moderate. This year, preparing a Presidential run, Pawlenty turned right in both word and deed, as exhibited by his un-allotment action. Candidate Pawlenty sounds more conservative on the campaign trail that Gov. Pawlenty acts in office, something he has in common with our current President.
ON THE OTHER HAND, with a DFL legislature in place, Pawlenty has been forced to play defense. His own description of his role as governor compares the job to that of a hockey goalie, and we shouldn’t be surprised or upset if the goalie doesn’t score; rather, we should consider all the shots the goalie has blocked. Given that Minnesota elected, and re-elected, Paul Wellstone, she isn’t ready to embrace free markets and free minds. The best we could have hoped for in a governor for the past eight years was one who mostly held the line on taxes, and Gov. Pawlenty delivered.
THE CHAIRMAN, whose own career as a goalie was cut short by a near-fatal hangnail, has called a debate to settle the question:
RESOLVED: Tim Pawlenty has Failed Conservatism.
The Debate will be held on Wednesday April 21, 2010 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The debate will begin at quarter ‘til eight o’clock p.m, immediately following a lecture at seven o’clock p.m. by gubernatorial candidates Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 384-6776 or the Secretary at (952) 887-2553.