In town to bash Barack Obama, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today repeatedly ducked questions about whether he has been courted as Republican Sen. John McCain’s vice presidential pick.
“Any questions about the vice presidency, that’s obviously Sen. McCain’s decision, and the McCain campaign will be making those announcements,” Pawlenty said, trying to shut down reporters who persisted with questions.
McCain is expected to announce his vice presidential pick Friday.
Pawlenty spoke at a press conference in which Republicans, anticipating Democrat Barack Obama’s speech tonight at Invesco Field, tried to paint the event as a flashy extravaganza devoid of substance.
The 47-year-old governor, serving his second term, is considered to be on a short list of Republicans whom McCain could pick as a running mate. Others have included former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who was in Denver earlier this week to help press the GOP attack on Obama.
Pawlenty will be in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday for his state’s fair.
After bashing Obama as unready to be president, Pawlenty, at one point, was asked if he was prepared for the job of vice president. At first, he said he would not answer questions about the vice presidency, but then he offered up a few of his qualifications.
“I have been a governor for six years, commander-in-chief of the Minnesota National Guard for six years and, before that, was the majority leader in the Minnesota legislature,” he said.
When asked why he was appearing in Denver, Pawlenty responded that he was just one of several Republicans who had come this week to support McCain.
He added, “I think he (McCain) is an outstanding leader. I think he’s a person of historic courage.
“His life is a story of valor and courage and honor and dedication and leadership at a level that I think our country needs. I’m just proud to lend my voice as a volunteer to Sen. McCain.”
Tim Hoover: 303-954-1626 or thoover@denverpost.com
