This week, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his run for the presidency in 2012. It's notable that he did not do so in his home state, the one he governed for eight years. He chose instead to announce it in Iowa.
Perhaps his political ambitions were the primary factor with this choice - many think that his campaign would come to an abrupt end if he does poorly in the Iowa caucuses. Or maybe it was because he didn't want to interfere with the Minnesota State Legislature and Governor Mark Dayton as they work to find a way out of the $5.1 billion deficit he left us, the seventh most severe in the U.S.
"[I]n the 8 years prior to Governor Pawlenty, property taxes rose some $716 million," writes Carlson. "Compare this to the $2.5 billion increase during the Pawlenty years. That is an approximate 250 percent increase."
Pawlenty often touts his record of not raising taxes during his run as Governor of Minnesota, but, as Carlson points out, he didn't eliminate costs - he just moved them around:
"Without reform, spending cuts all too often reappear as cost increases elsewhere. The sad and tragic reality is that this is what happens when politics and simple slogans become the prime concern rather than quality long-term budgeting."
The increases in Pawlenty's case were a $2.5 billion property tax increase statewide, the largest tax increase than the "previous 16 years combined."
Carlson continues:
"It is my belief that the President we elect in 2012 should have compelling leadership skills and a demonstrated background of financial excellence. This requires not only an appreciation of America’s financial problems but also a willingness to place the nation’s long-term well being ahead of short-term political gains."The entire post, with further evidence of Pawlenty's deficit-to-deficit budget dodging tactics, can be read here: The Presidency: A Bit Short Is Pawlenty
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