Pawlenty's fumbling fundraiser

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October 22, 2009, 04:52PM

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Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty is in Washington D.C. tonight holding his first fundraiser for his newly formed political action committee "Freedom First." The fundraiser will start at a local Washington D.C. bar and make its way to the home of lobbyist John Milne and his wife Deb Anderson. Unfortunately, Pawlenty's handlers don't trust their candidate to survive a little scrutiny, even from fellow conservatives.

After contacting Pawlenty's consultant Alex Conant about attending the first Pawlenty event, The Washington Times got the brush off:

"The event is closed to press, but it's outside, so you may get some color from the sidewalk and may be able to ask him a question as he's leaving..."

Golly, how thoughtful. Like we need permission to stand on the sidewalk and shout questions.

Not to be deterred, we sent the consultant a second email suggesting he reconsider and we got back this howler:

"(You're) welcome to pay the $50 entry fee if (you) want to attend.
If I let (you) in for free, then I have to let in every reporter, which we are not doing."

Suddenly Washington is kindergarten where the rules have to be fair? Get a grip, Al. I haven't been in Washington forever, but I didn't get here yesterday.

If Mr. Pawlenty has 2012 aspirations he needs to let conservatives to get to know him. Hopefully his consultants will figure that out.

About the Author

David Mastio

David Mastio, Deputy Editorial Page Editor, was an editorial writer and op-ed editor for USA Today, Washington correspondent for The Detroit News, editorial writer for The Virginian-Pilot, founding Editorial Page Editor of The Washington Examiner and speechwriter for World Bank President Robert Zoellick when he was the United States Trade Representative under President George W. Bush.