Tim Pawlenty in 2006:
Pawlenty governed as a social and fiscal conservative for much of his term. But he campaigned on a more moderate message.
"He's always been very good at explaining that agenda and giving it a moderate patina," said political scholar Steven Smith.
In a second term, Pawlenty told voters he would work to put more money into public schools and try to expand a state subsidized health insurance program. Issues like abortion, gay marriage and guns seldom came up in his re-election bid.
Tim Pawlenty in 2011:
PAWLENTY: We have to pay great deference, I think to those combat units, their sentiments and their leaders. That's one of the reasons why I said we shouldn't have repealed Don't Ask, Don't Tell and I would support reinstatement.
TP [Think Progress]: And rescinding the funds for implementation, implementation of repeal?
PAWLENTY: That would be a reasonable step as well
Again, when looking at the dynamics of a presidential primary, candidate history can only go so far. More important are the party constituencies and interests that shape the dynamics and incentives of a nominating contest. As governor of Minnesota, Pawlenty built a moderate image and governed from the center-right, but as a Republican candidate for president, Pawlenty will adjust to the issue priorities of the conservative coalition. And if he wins the nomination and the presidency, those priorities -- as well as his own issue emphases --- will be the best guide to his actions.
