At news conference on the day Minnesota economists announced a $1.2 billion state deficit over the next 19 months, which could swell to $5.4 billion in 2012-13, got a bit testy and awkward as journalists quizzed Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty over whether his frequent political travel and possible 2012 ambitions have interfered with his ability to run the state.
He said he and his administration are doing everything they need do expand the job base in Minnesota and take care of the state. Interrupting another reporter's question he returned to his theme:
Pawlenty: If it has to do with the work around here. It gets done. There's nothing in our office or administration that 's not getting done.
Q: You are traveling the nation. Why aren't you selling Minnesota instead of running for an office that doesn't exist for another three years?
Pawlenty: You know I've said I'm not doing that. I haven't decided that yet and the work here and around the country is getting done. I don't know. What are you suggesting, Jim?
Q: I am suggesting you take a more aggressive stance in trying to address the jobs problem....
Pawlenty (interrupting): There is no opportunity that we haven't pursued or any job that's been left undone relative to our office or administration and if you can identify one, let me know, we'll address it.
You can see the exchange here. It begins around minute 14.
