ASSOCIATED PRESS: After few vetoes in 1st term, Pawlenty prepares to let loose

By Brian Bakst, Associated Press

In his first four years, Gov. Tim Pawlenty had the luxury of serving alongside a Republican House majority, a line of defense that kept most bills he didn't like away from his desk.
Now that Democrats run the full Legislature, his veto power could get a workout — and a test.

A game of political chicken is in full swing as the 2007 session hits the home stretch. Almost every budget bill the House approved this week is a veto candidate, as are several Senate-passed plans.

Some people at the Capitol doubt Pawlenty's willingness to drive up his veto count, but Pawlenty said he won't be shy about using the executive power. His veto tally so far is among the lowest for Minnesota governors who have served at least four years.

"For me it's not a matter of volume," he said. "It's a matter of principle and what's right. I'm not going to set some artificial cap."

Click here to read the full article.