TPaw Hits New Hampshire

As you’re all aware Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be appearing tonight in Concord for a fundraiser for State Senate Republicans and has been seen by many as the first foray by a potential 2012 contender to NH to test the waters of the NHGOP electorate.  Two stories caught my eye.  One, setting up what the trip to NH means and a second that includes an interview.

Mike Memoli, a 2008 alum of the First in the Nation Primary, at Real Clear Politics penned an article that features a of the state’s top Republican players on what the trip meant and the role Granite Staters take in the process:

“New Hampshire Republicans pride themselves on getting involved in presidential politics,” he [Mike Dennehy] said. “Being a relatively small state governor, one who’s balanced the budget, who’s focused on education and a new Republican leader for this generation — I think those are all things that people will be interested in seeing and hearing from him.”

and

“We’re still the only state that somebody can come into without a lot of name recognition, without a lot of dollars, and meet people and start understanding what the political landscape is in New Hampshire,” said Gatsas, adding that his door is open to any potential candidate at this point.

Meanwhile Ryan Williams also offered this thought concerning 2010 and what role potential candidates will have in the state

“In the leadup to the 2010 election cycle, any potential [presidential] candidates will probably be seen in New Hampshire helping out the party and helping out our 2010 local and federal candidates,” said Ryan Williams, spokesman for the New Hampshire Republican Party.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pawlenty also paid a call to the Union Leader for an interview with John DiStaso.  While nothing too unexpected came out of the interview, a few key points did catch my eye.

On where the GOP should in 2010:

“We’ve got to explain using conservative principles, conservative ideas and values, why our approach, even if it may not be instant gratification, is better for families and individuals and regular working people all across this country on those kind of issues, those bread and butter, meat and potatoes issues,” he told UnionLeader.com in a interview here this afternoon.

On his 2012 plans:

“I haven’t ruled it out, but I haven’t ruled it in, either,” he said. “I’ve got a job to do in Minnesota rule, to finish my term as governor.”

and

“After that, we’ll see,” he said. “I don’t know what I’m going to be doing after 2010. I may stay in public service or not, I don’t know.”

On the current status of American leadership:

Pawlenty said, “Clearly the country is in need of new and different leadership. Who that is and the message and whether somebody like me needs to be or should be the messenger, that all remains to be seen. But I just don’t know.”

And Gov. Pawlenty on endorsing in a primary, with a caveat:

But Pawlenty said he will not endorse or have his PAC contribute to the campaigns of any candidates for the U.S. Senate or House who are in “open, transparent” primary campaigns, including the tough GOP Senate primary battle shaping up for 2010 in New Hampshire.

Also, it appears that Pawlenty’s visit also brought along at least one national reporter back to his old stomping grounds.

Carl Cameron and Gov. Pawlenty

Of course  “Campaign Carl” looks right at home outside WMUR interviewing a potential Presidential candidate.