Tim Pawlenty

Campaigns are populated by hacks and trade in cheap shots. But the hacks are usually paid staffers, and the cheap shots are part of their job description. It's sad to see a respected former governor reduced to low-level staff hackery, acting as an attack dog on behalf of a man he once criticized ("Obamneycare") and now supports.

On a conference call Monday afternoon, a Mitt Romney campaign surrogate—Tim Pawlenty, the former Minnesota governor—criticized Rick Santorum for being part of the “big-spending establishment in Congress and in the influence-peddling industry that surrounds Congress,” and for previously supporting earmarked spending.

Fox News: "Arizona Sheriff Says 2 Guns Found in Bust Linked to 'Fast and Furious'"

Avik Roy: "CLASS Aside, Long-Term Care is a Key to Entitlement Reform"

Capital New York: "Bloomberg: ‘Plain and simple,’ Congress caused the mortgage crisis, not the banks"

Joel Gehrke: "3,000 more six-figure pensions in Calif."

Herman Cain reports a big online fundraising day yesterday.

So does Newt Gingrich!

The solution?

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, who dropped out of the race for the GOP presidential nomination last month, has endorsed former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney for president, according to a Romney campaign press release. Here's an excerpt:

President Obama has failed to meet America's economic challenges.

His three years of spending, regulating and taxing have not restarted the economy. Unemployment remains at a shocking 9.1 percent. Economic growth is hovering on the edge of a renewed recession.

Politico reports that Virginia governor Bob McDonnell would be "very interested" in the Republican vice presidential slot:

With solid poll ratings as a swing state governor, McDonnell is already drawing attention as a possible GOP vice-presidential prospect in 2012. And in an extended interview in his office here, the Virginia governor expressed interest in the number two spot on the national ticket.

After a disappointing third place finish in yesterday's Iowa straw poll, former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty will today announce the end of his campaign for president of the United States.

A reader, inspired, he says, “by the sudden outburst of poesy at THE WEEKLY STANDARD,” sends in this reflection on last night’s debate:

Thursday's Republican presidential debate in Ames, Iowa featured at least a few testy exchanges. Ron Paul and Rick Santorum sparred over the Iranian threat. Newt Gingrich slapped Fox News moderator Chris Wallace for asking about departures of his campaign staff. And Tim Pawlenty jabbed at Mitt Romney for owning more than one acre of land. 

Tim Pawlenty attacks President Obama in his latest ad:

Associated Press: "Norway suspect borrowed from Unabomber's manifesto"

New York Times: "Killings in Norway Spotlight Anti-Muslim Thought in U.S."

Jennifer Rubin: "EXCLUSIVE: What Boehner said to the caucus"