Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota announced Monday afternoon that he is forming an exploratory committee to run for the Republican presidential nomination.
Pawlenty made the announcement via a web video which was only accessible to people who liked his page on Facebook. In the ad, which lasted less than two minutes, Pawlenty focused on the economy and called for optimism on the economy, showing clips of Ronald Reagan.
"We have a great country, but we're headed in the wrong direction, said Pawlenty. We need a real debate with President Obama, so the American people can decide how to get this country back on track.
The former Minnesota governor left little doubt that he intended to seek the Republican presidential nomination.
"I will unite the Republican Party around my optimistic vision, Pawlenty insisted. We need to make the tough decisions to reform and renew the American dream. I am looking forward to making my case."
Pawlenty announced that heis forming an exploratory committee, joining former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Gov. Buddy Roemer of Louisiana, veteran political activist Fred Karger and businessman Herman Cain. Other possible candidates include former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, Gov. Mitch Daniels of Indiana, Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi, former Gov. Jon Huntsman of Utah, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, former Gov. George Pataki of New York, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York City, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton and former Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico. Pawlenty may also face a competitor from his own state in U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann who has left the door open for a presidential bid.
While not as visible as some of his potential rivals for the Republican nomination have been in Florida, Pawlenty has gone out of his way to be active in the Sunshine State. Pawlenty addressed Republicans in the Florida Legislature last month about tort reform, performance pay for teachers and fiscal restraint.
During the 2010 campaign cycle, he toured Florida backing numerous Republican candidates for state and federal office through his Freedom First PAC. Pawlenty supported Rick Scotts gubernatorial ambitions during the 2010 campaign. The PAC also backed U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio and eight GOP congressional hopefuls.
First elected in 2002, Pawlenty served two terms as governor. He was on John McCains vice presidential shortlist in 2008 but lost out to Palin.
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Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
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