Stateline.org Story on Pawlenty Becoming NGA Chair

By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty personifies Minnesotans’ reputation for being exceedingly polite. But beneath the mild manners lies a huge hockey fan hooked on hockeyfights.com, a Web site showcasing the bloodier side of the sport.

The two-term governor showed his more competitive side by delivering solid body checks to Democratic proposals to raise taxes in his state. His ferocity at blocking tax hikes is one reason some Republicans see this 46-year-old as a rising political star despite the wafer-thin margin of his re-election last fall.

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