Tim Pawlenty
Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez has won a contest hosted by potential 2012 presidential hopeful and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty – meaning Pawlenty plans to provide additional help to Martinez beyond the $5,000 his political action committee has already donated to her campaign.
Pawlenty’s Freedom First PAC asked people to vote online for their favorite of 13 candidates for U.S. House, U.S. Senate and various governorships across the nation. The PAC confirmed today that Martinez won the contest.
That means the GOP’s Pawlenty plans to come to New Mexico to campaign for Martinez. According to his Web site, he will also co-host a Facebook town-hall meeting live from New Mexico along with Martinez. And his PAC will send a fundraising e-mail on behalf of Martinez to its distribution list and match every dollar that’s raised up to $5,000.
“Susana Martinez is a forward-thinking, commonsense conservative with a solid plan to grow New Mexico’s economy and eliminate corruption in the state,” Pawlenty said in a prepared statement. “Freedom First supporters are excited about her candidacy and I share their enthusiasm.”
“Susana is a great leader who will make a great governor,” he said. “I’m proud to be supporting her and look forward to campaigning with her and co-hosting a Facebook town hall with her.”
Martinez is popular in national GOP circles. The day after she won the primary, Pawlenty announced that his PAC was giving $5,000 to Martinez. So did another potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate, Mitt Romney.
Sarah Palin, another possible 2012 presidential hopeful, came to New Mexico in May to endorse Martinez.
Update, 12:20 p.m.
From Martinez Campaign Manager Ryan Cangiolosi:
“The enthusiasm Susana Martinez’s campaign is generating across New Mexico is something we notice as she travels the state and speaks with voters about her plans to deliver bold change. We appreciate Governor Pawlenty’s assistance and commitment to ensuring Susana has the necessary resources to communicate her message and change the way business is done in the Roundhouse. We also feel very fortunate that Susana’s commitment to bringing about the kinds of reforms that will improve the quality of life for all New Mexicans are being recognized and the energy behind her candidacy will be an important element in turning things around this November.”
Update, 1:35 p.m.
From state Democratic Party spokesman James Hallinan:
“This isn’t surprising: Sarah Palin, the Texas millionaires who paid for the Swiftboat ads, Michael Steele and now Tim Pawlenty. Washington and the national Republican establishment are clearly more excited about Susana Martinez than New Mexico families are, and there’s a good reason for that. Martinez’s agenda would empower her party’s political insiders and powerful interests – not regular folks in our state. Most New Mexicans have no idea who Tim Pawlenty is, but they certainly know Susana Martinez isn’t on their side when it comes to the issues that matter most to them.”