June 19, 2008
Posted: 10:35 AM ET

From

(CNN) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be in the spotlight Thursday evening when John McCain makes two campaign stops in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but Pawlenty — often floated as a possible running mate for McCain — continues to deny that he is being considered for a vice presidential nod.

On Tuesday's edition of "The Situation Room," Wolf Blitzer asked Pawlenty if the McCain campaign had begun to "vet" him.

"They have not," Pawlenty said. "I haven't been asked. I don't expect to be asked. But you're always kind to inquire about that, Wolf."

Pawlenty was again asked about being on the ticket Wednesday by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune, but he again dismissed the speculation.

"I'm honored to have my name mentioned,” Pawlenty answered. "The fact is, I haven't been asked, and I don't expect to be asked."

According the newspaper, Pawlenty was asked point blank if he has had any discussions with the McCain campaign.

The governor issued a straightforward response: "None."

Filed under: John McCain • Tim Pawlenty


Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   June 19th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Farrell,
I saw Obama decide to NOT go to Iowa because of the flooding. And he did this so as to not distract emergency workers and law enforcement from helping the citizens of that state.
He then went a little later and actually helped shovel sand bags.

I'm worndering the same thing about Mrs. McCain. Maybe she'll show up next week in Iowa and Missouri. But perhaps she's proud to be in Vietnam right now?

exMinnesotan   June 19th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Pawlenty has been a disaster for Minnesota (see: slashing education funding, cutting taxes on the suburbs, denying even sorely-needed tax increases, forcing higher property taxes statewide, and ignoring infrastructure–like highway bridges…)

He'd be even more of a disaster as VP.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 19th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Why is Cindy McCain going to Vietnam on a poverty/charity mission. What about the victims of flooding and disaster right here in the U.S.A. the country she proclaims she is so proud of. What is she looking for in Vietnam, patroitism starts at home.

Mohammed   June 19th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

JIM: Pawlenty is a tool. He can take his red "veto pen" and stick it where the sun don't shine. Sincerely, Jim (a lifelong Minnesotan)

MAN I AGREE WITH YOU. That jerk has done nothing for MInnesota except make college more expensive, and ruine a budget surplus. what a jerk. NO NEW TAXES, BUT LETS KEEP HIKING UP "FEES"

Minnesota   June 19th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

The positive side of this is that it would get Pawlenty out of our state for a few months.

Nia - AZ by way of MN   June 19th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

I wonder if he will chose of his many lobbyist to run with

Generation X   June 19th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

PUMA = OPERATION CHAOS

PUMA = POOR UNEDUCATED MISERABLE ADULTS

Watch out for comments from the following on every website!!!

Charlotte
Brian TN
Jan Fla (under new name)
Staunch Clinton Supporter (uses several names)
Belle (stupid GOP)
Karen, FL
fred
Jim, PA

Guess what folks………..NOT THIS TIME!!!!

merle   June 19th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Does he have Dick Cheney's permission?

Brandon Hillary Democrat for Mc Cain   June 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Sarah Palin Governor Of Alaska should be Mc Cains vice president

Vote Nader   June 19th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Bishop June 19th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Unless his running mate is Jesus, I don't really care. And I'm a practicing Jew….

————————————————————————————————

I heard he's running on the Democratic ticket.

And I find it ironic your name is Bishop.

VotePact

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

Dan in Sacramento, CA   June 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

I don't get it. If there are moderators here, why do they let through duplicate posts?

JIM...TX   June 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Raymond Duke….you related to David Duke of the Klan?????? Only a jerk bigoted democrat would vote for McSame and a continuation of the devastating policies the Republicans have made us endure for the past 8 years!

aaron from minneapolis   June 19th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

I'm from Minnesota and McCain can have Pawlenty. We can't wait to get rid of him. He's a loser just like McCain.

Tony, Miami   June 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

John McCain is not on the board charged to suggest a VP to Obama.

obamabot   June 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

mccain doesn't need a vp candidate.who would want to be on the losing team?he should use a cardboard cutout of bush,if he wants,so he wont be lonely.

The Rev. Graham P. Matthews   June 19th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

John McCain can remember his father telling him that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. He also was in elementary school during WW Ii, therefore , whomever his VP choice is, that person must be younger than him.

Mc Cain is an angry old man…no he is just old.

Ula Nejad- Sacramento Ca   June 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Obama makes history again..LOL!. Could mean his wife gets more than the President of the United States is why he has decided not to take public funds, Mr Schwartz will finance his campaign from nowhere, or decides to show money management. John could do alot more things too if he picks his State wisely. Campaign where Obama does. Stay right behind him and never walk away ever! to go elsewhere. Take advantage of Obama's campaign mistake in Michigan a few days ago in a positive way to highlight the race issue. Michigan has to choose for themselves how they see Obama on the race issue.

Anonymous   June 19th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

You people on here are so full of hate. I cant beleive you have fallen so heavily for Obama and do nothing but spill hateful comments about other people. You are doing nothing but turning off independents so have a proper think about what your saying

independent chris   June 19th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

It'll probably be someone relatively unknown so that the media will spend all of its time vetting the veep rather than focus on McCain who resembles more and more a rabbit caught in the headlights whenever a camera is pointed at him.

tigerakabj   June 19th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Yeah, even Repubs are smart enough to be protective of their careers. Potential VPs see they way McSame has flipped like a fish. Who wants to be paired with a fish?

Independant   June 19th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

McCain has a good batch of people to chose from. I still want Romney as VP though

Paul   June 19th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

I think he will have to ask Laura Bush since it looks as if she is running for the spot. That way W could still have his finger in the Pie.

Paul
Austin, Texas

John G   June 19th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I think it's funny that when Republicans post about their problems with Obama they cite actual examples of things he has said and done which make them not want to vote for him.

When Democrats post about McCain they resort to name calling and school yard insults coupled with slogans you would hear at a professional wrestling event.

The difference is clear

Republicans use clear logic. Democrats use empty words.

Ralph   June 19th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Can't find anyone who wants to join a losing ticket?

Sharon Minnesota   June 19th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Minnesota, a democratic state, is now a toss up. Polls are showing a 1% lead for Obama (virtual tie with margin of error). Never before has a Republican come so cose to overtaking a democrat in the land of sky blue waters.

Minnesota goes for McCain in November with either Pawlenty or Romney at his side. Minnesota, a swing state to propel McCain into the white house along with many others this election year. It will happen.

Paul   June 19th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Well lets see would he pick Rudy our could he not pick a man that has worn dresses before?

Paul
Austin, Texas

jimntat   June 19th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

How about Huckabee? We need a preacher man to keep us all straight!! Republicans are so concerned about our morality!! LOL

Tammy - KCMO   June 19th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

From what I've read I don't think Raymond Duke has ever been a Democrat. Just another racist Republican in disguise.

American   June 19th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Hey Raymond, would you have voted for Hillary? I guess we can read between the lines of that too.."democrat"

Seriously.. all these republicans posing as democrats need to give it up. McCain doesn't stand a chance.

NoMcSame   June 19th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

The PUMA people would be a good choise for VP. Oh, that's right they are too stupid to even think for themselves. They are like a cheap trick going from John to John. They are lost without a home. The GOP wants their vote but do not stand with them are their values. Their PUMA shoes will be worn out from going back and forth.
OBAMA08 With or without you.
Yes we can
Yes we will
Yes we did is coming soon

christina   June 19th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Trust me Repubs, it doesn't matter who this idiot picks as his running mate. You still can't hide from the inevitable - Obama will WIPE THE FLOOR WITH THIS GUY!

OBAMA '08!!!

Ula Nejad- Sacramento Ca   June 19th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Agree wth Newt. Gingrich Governor Bobby Jindal would add a big contrast to the new face and so-called change(not much really), a breadth of fresh air. Try young and brilliant, hands on and been there done that any my…..no nonesense. America will be in safe hands here and abroad. A fresh and better face for America in the middle East and the world. Who better knows this then Newt. Go Bobby! Asia/Pacific on the global rise.

Roberto   June 19th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Please pick Romney. Then we can bash the GOP ticket for flip-flopping. Romney never knew an issue where he hasn't been on both sides.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   June 19th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Probably not, and if he did, I still don't think he would help pull Minnesota.
If they lose, he's out of a job and has to start over.

Just Saying...   June 19th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

You want to see what's wrong with America? Look at the ignorant comments posted by the democrats.

Michael Lorton, Virginia   June 19th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Is McCain finding it difficult to pick a VP running mate, or is it reservations on the potential candidates of whether or not they want to be McCain's running mate? No second place finishes in the general election…….only first place losers.

Ian   June 19th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Stay as the Governor. Who wants to be part of a losing ticket?

Gadissa   June 19th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Who cares whoever McCain's VP? They are not going to win. The conservative Radio host Rush would be his best VP. Since they are going to loose it's good to loos big time.

Andrew   June 19th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

An article about McCain? No way!

As for the rest of you, it's pretty scary that you're willing to hand the keys of the whitehouse to a man with 3 years in national politicals, half of which has been spent running for president.

Oh Lawdy Lawd, Miss Cindy   June 19th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Miss Cindy says she has always loved this country, as if Michelle has not. Michelle loves this country just as much as Miss Cindy, and maybe more because she has experienced bigotry. That did not stop her from pressing forward and making something of herself. Michelle had to WORK for what she got, something Miss Cindy knows nothing about.

Texas Trail Dog   June 19th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

McCAIN THERE IS ONLY ONE CHOICE FOR YOU TO MAKE. HILLARY CLINTON?

McCAIN/CLINTON 08

TALK ABOUT BRING TWO PARTIES COMING TOGETHER YOU WILL AT LEAST HAVE OVER HALF OF THE DEMOCRATS ON YOUR SIDE.

Kenneth M   June 19th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

THE PROBLEM WITH Bobby Jihndal Annie Sprinkles IS THAT HE IS ALL THE THINGS MCCAIN WANTS TO PASTE OBAMA AS. IF HE SAYS SHORT TIME IN POLITICS IS NOT GOOD THEN THE QUESTION BECOMES HOW CAN JIHNDAL FIT THE BILL.

Change We Can Believe In   June 19th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Okay, should we arrange the chairs on the Titantic this way, or that way?

Who cares about John's VP, the ship is going down, down, down. The best thing the Republicans can do is have a meeting on why they picked such a moron to shipwreck the country. No thanks GOP, we've had enough of you for 8 long years. We are ready for change, and we are ready to smile again. Barack is our man, and you can't do anything about it, including attacking his wife, our next first lady by the way.

larry buchas   June 19th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

I'm not a Republican and I support Obama. But if I had advice for McCain, I would have Pawlenty at the top of the list.

He's young, well versed on the issues and a potential future star of their party. The other potential star is General Petraeus. But not until 2012 and after.

al   June 19th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

*****************************************
FUNNY THING IS YOU KNOW YOU'RE DEFEATED WHEN NOBODY CARES. WASTE OF EFFORT COZ MCCAINS NOT GOING TO WIN. STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

Franky   June 19th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

To be honest, I don't know what kind of VP Senator McCain is gonna have. I mean, look at him! Just imagine! Whoever he picks is gonna look unusual because Senator McCain is………well, different. He's flip-flopped so much that I think he doesn't even remember! Is like comparing WW1 to WW2 saying it has a connection………….but for the wrong reasons, LOL!!!!

Darth Vadik, CA   June 19th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

McCain?

Oh please, my 90 year old grandmother would make a better president.

McCain?

Are you for real?

This freak?

Oh just wake up people.

Gas And Oil Party   June 19th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Waste of time Mr.Pawlenty - Stick on being the Governor

Louise - MN   June 19th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Pawlently won't help carry MN if he's on the ticket.

Foreign observer   June 19th, 2008 11:54 am ET

To say it frankly - they even haven´t contacted me !

Doris,Memphis,TN   June 19th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Ronald Reagan could come back and be Senator McCain's VP!
He would still lose!

Doris,Memphis,TN   June 19th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Ronald Reagan could come back and be McCain's VP!
He would still loose.

DC Missouri   June 19th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Who cares? But the guy is smart to distance himself from McBush, that's for sure.

Darth Vadik, CA   June 19th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Its the prince of darkness himself

Dick Cheney

Democrats Unite!!!   June 19th, 2008 11:41 am ET

This shows how McBush is going to run the country… Just wait around and expect things to happen…

Doesn't matter who they pick for VP. They'll loose either way!

Raymond Duke   June 19th, 2008 11:40 am ET

As long as McCain picks a good vice president, I don't really care who he picks . I only know one thing , I didn't defend this country to give it to people who hate america and will betray her. I will vote for John McCain along with my wife and three adult children and this comes from an old yellow dog democrat. Our name comes from the meaning "that we would vote for a yeloow dog before we would vote for a republican. I guess you can read between the lines what I think of Obama.

dectra   June 19th, 2008 11:37 am ET

You know mccain wants lieberman as a VP pick, but his rabid base won't let him get away with it.

RC   June 19th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Is McCain a Sleestack?

mlmmn   June 19th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Good! I hope Mccain picks him as VP so we can get rid of him and his "fees"

Charlotte   June 19th, 2008 11:27 am ET

This guy would not help McCain one eye iota. SurrveyUSA shows him as a liability. Hucklebee helps him more.

JOYCE   June 19th, 2008 11:09 am ET

makes since to me
he don't need a vp
he want win anyway
he can take ms cindy home and ask her why she keeps bashing michelle on tv

independet OBAMA supporter   June 19th, 2008 11:06 am ET

I don't blame him not to be his VP. Who wants to be VP when he knows MCCain will loss. MCCain wants us to stay in Iraq for 100Years.
He is also too old for the office. He needs to go home and rest.
OBAMA08!!!
God bless USA and OBAMA

Jim   June 19th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Pawlenty is a tool. He can take his red "veto pen" and stick it where the sun don't shine. Sincerely, Jim (a lifelong Minnesotan)

Bishop   June 19th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Unless his running mate is Jesus, I don't really care. And I'm a practicing Jew….

Billy in NYC   June 19th, 2008 10:53 am ET

It's gonna be tough for the republicans to find someone to throw in with Captain John McCain when the ship is so full of holes. As a republican I would not want to run with anyone(except the immortal Ronald Reagan) in this election. I think every prospect will say 'not me, I want a career and a clean start in four years.'
I was going to say Colin Powell but he is an Obama supporter too! Don't worry republicans you had the steering wheel for eight years. Now let the smart guy drive.

Dinah, MO   June 19th, 2008 10:50 am ET

I guess not, John can't breathe with the Huckabeast and Robotney staring at his back 24/7. It's a losing ticket anyway, so who cares.

Let's see, do I want to vote for John McSame or make history. I want to make history by voting for Barack Obama.

O/08 and 12

NoMcSame   June 19th, 2008 10:48 am ET

How about the PUMA people for his VP. They seem to be good at LIP service. They even talked themselves into voting for McSame. Anyone that can talk themselves into voting for the one that will cut their heads off is a great choise for VP. The PUMA people have sold themselves into thinking that they are Hillary supporters but they will not send her any money.

Creative Woody   June 19th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Who would want to be loser #2 in November?

Kristen- Philadelphia, PA   June 19th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Well stop asking him already, obviously he won’t me McCains VP choice. I think this must be a lot of fun for the media; everyone wants to be the first to oust the VP choice. Just chill out.

Montana is Obama Country   June 19th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Florida Gov Crist is looking to be number 2…. Look at the way he is pandering for off shore drilling… What a joke.. Stay away ffrom the water.. don't go into the water……

Red State is BLUE in Nov.. 2008…….. Leaning heavily for Barack Obama to get us back on the right track..

Annie Sprinkles   June 19th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Bobby Jihndal , Governor of Louisiana

Southern State
Young
Conservative

Everything McCain needs

MD FOR OBAMA   June 19th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Pawlenty who?

Speechless   June 19th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I am shocked to see an article that isn't about Obama.

Bill Obama = 2nd Carter Term   June 19th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I like Bobby Jindal as a VP

proud army and navy mom   June 19th, 2008 10:38 am ET

I wouldn't want to be on the ticket with a loser either. mcbush is inept.

American   June 19th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Who cares….old man won't need a VP because he won't be the president!!

Go Obama!

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