He knows he can't win re-election in his state. he'll retire in 2010 from Gov and focus on his 2012 Presidential run. Smart cat.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) will announce that he will not seek re-election in 2010, according to WCCO-TV, a local network station.
"The announcement is expected to be made at a 2 p.m. press conference," the report said. Pawlenty succeeded independent Jesse Ventura in 2002. If he ran in 2010, it would be his third term.
"Pawlenty was elected in 2002 in a tight three-way contest between Democrat Roger Moe and Independent Tim Penny," WCCO writes. "Pawlenty won re-election in 2006 against Mike Hatch in what was again a very tight race.
In the run-up to the 2008 election, Pawlenty was fingered as a possible running mate for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
