PAWLENTY IN – AT 11:02 P.M. ET:  Former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota will be running for president.  From WaPo:

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty released a video Sunday previewing his announcement for president, which is set for Monday.

The video, titled “A Time for Truth,” aims to be the anti-campaign announcement, shunning the usual pomp and circumstance for a somber message that Pawlenty says is more important than balloons and idealistic speeches.

“The truth is, our country’s in big trouble,” Pawlenty says. “We have far too much debt, too much government spending, and too few jobs. We need a president who understands that our problems are deep and has the courage to face them. President Obama doesn’t; I do.”

Pawlenty confirms in the video that he is indeed running for president, though the official announcement awaits Monday in Iowa.

The theme of the ad — essentially, ‘I’m not flashy, but that’s not what we need right now’ — plays to Pawlenty’s strength as a candid but not terribly exciting candidate, and it sets in motion the kind of campaign he is expected to run in the months ahead. In the video, Pawlenty seeks to contrast his style with Obama, who is known for his strong speech-making ability.

COMMENT:  Pawlenty was a capable governor of Minnesota, but is little known outside the state.  He would have to be counted, as a former governor, as an important and credible candidate.  I suspect much of the race, at least in the coming months, will be a contest between Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty. 

The GOP race lacks a woman.  We did a post this morning on Sarah Palin, who is making serious noises about running, but discouraged the prospect.  There is, of course, Michelle Bachmann, like Pawlenty, from Minnesota.  Frankly, I'd like to see her run.  Even Dan Rather, I mean even Dan Rather, described her on TV as smart and articulate, which she is.  Whether you agree with her or not, and she is very much a Tea Party candidate, she would add some gender interest to the race.

May 22, 2011