Capitol View®

Pawlenty hollers Pig Sooie

Gov. Pawlenty spoke last night to more than 400 Republican activists in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pawlenty spoke about the future of the Republican Party at a fundraiser for the Arkansas Republican Party. Pawlenty, who is mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate for president, said his trip had nothing to do with his political future. Prior to the speech he spoke with reporters about his speech, his out of state travel and whether South Carolina Governor mark Sanford should resign.

You can listen to that audio here:

(h/t KUAR's Michael Hibblen)

The DFL Party released this web video and a statement by Minnesota DFL Party Associate Chair Donna Cassutt before Pawlenty's trip. Here's part of her statement:

"As Governor Pawlenty is recklessly acting alone in cutting the state's budget, hurting the most vulnerable of citizens with his cuts to education, health care and our local governments, he is planning an aggressive travel schedule to support his national ambitions." "His extensive plan for travel in this time of crisis is only the most recent example of how Governor Pawlenty continues to put his own personal political ambitions ahead of the welfare of Minnesotans. As he travels to Arkansas, Chicago and California, Minnesotans are facing rising property taxes, the working poor will be losing their health care and schools will be cutting back on vital programs."

For those wondering, Pig Sooie is the chant done by University of Arkansas Razorbacks fans.