Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty Speaks at the Cato Institute  ...1 of 3 >
May 25, 2011--Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), who announced his candidacy on Monday in Des Moines, IA, spoke at the Cato Institute on the theme of "Limiting Government: What Washington Can Learn from Minnesota."  Pawlenty presented examples of his ideas for bringing federal spending under control, saying it will be necessary to take on sacred cows.  In Iowa, he called for ending ethanol subsidies, and in Coral Gables, FL on Tuesday he addressed entitlement programs.  Here at Cato, he cited his experience with Minnesota transit workers, where he prevailed after a 44-day strike, and said that federal government employees' pay and benefits, and well as the number of federal government employees must be examined.  Continuing his "truth tour," Pawlenty is also going to Wall Street to speak out against bailouts.  
Ed Crane, founder and president of the Cato Institute, listens to Pawlenty's remarks.  Pawlenty often points out that he received an "A" on Cato's "Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors: 2010," one of only four governors to do so.  
(more)