Tim Pawlenty

R-Minn.

Former Governor 

• Balanced the Minnesota state government, partially by passing healthcare reforms
• Campaigning on a strongly conservative platform
• Was heavily involved in John McCain’s 2008 campaign
• Identifies the economy, healthcare, national security and education as top priorities
• Has campaigned heavily in Iowa, including naming 29 county chairs in what he calls “strong leadership at the grassroots level”

Gallup polls show that Pawlenty has a slightly below-average positive intensity score among people who know him, and that name recognition continues to be a challenge for him and other lesser-known candidates.