Pawlenty: Minnesota Shutdown Is a Good Thing

Anarchists are saying, "Now you're talking." Former Minnesota governor and GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty says the government shutdown in his state could be a good thing, and he wishes a similar shutdown in 2005 would have lasted longer, reports Politico. “I think it was nine days [of shutdown] at that time," says Pawlenty. "I think we could have gotten a better deal if we had allowed that to continue for a while and the people of Minnesota would have seen the issues play out a little longer."

Pawlenty—who left office in January—claims no responsibility in the state's $5 billion deficit and blames Democrats for increased spending and taxes. DNC communications director Brad Woodhouse isn't convinced. "He failed Minnesota as governor and now he’s trying to cover his tracks," he says. "If he wants to hold a press conference criticizing someone, he should start with himself.” (More Tim Pawlenty stories.)