Pawlenty: 'Republican Idea Factory a Little Stagnant'

Last Edited: Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008, 9:12 AM CDT
Created: Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008, 8:05 AM CDT


Last week, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced he’s no longer answering questions about the possibility of becoming Sen. John McCain vice presidential running mate.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty started his Wednesday in Washington with a speech to GOPAC, the Republican Party’s political action committee, hours ahead of an anticipated speech to the National Press Club.

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Pawlenty told the Associated Press the party can be “too cynical, negative and need to be more hopeful, optimistic and energetic.”

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Pawlenty told GOPAC that people want to follow leaders who are optimistic and civil -- not negative and scornful.

Pawlenty even had positive things to say about Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in that regard, saying "people gravitate when you have something positive to say."

Pawlenty says that Republicans like Ronald Reagan had ideas. But Pawlenty says in recent years, "The Republican idea factory has seen a little stagnant."

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