Tim Pawlenty photo by Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS - University of Minnesota Political Science Professor Kathryn Pearson says she was a little surprised with the timing of the Republican running mate announcement.
She says it should inject some punch into Mitt Romney's Presidential Campaign. "It's a bold choice," the Professor noted, speaking highly of Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan's political pedigree. "He rose quickly, was chair of the budget committee. This is someone who is very experienced in national politics."
And so, Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is passed over again. Pawlenty continued his duties on the Romney campaign, speaking on the Massachusetts Governor's behalf in New Hampshire this morning. "They're going to be a great team for America as President and Vice President. I want to close today by just asking you today to do all you can for the Romney-Ryan ticket."
Pearson says Pawlenty still managed to climb the GOP ladder this year. "He's gotten a lot of props for being a great campaigner, being a loyal Republican so his name has been out there in a very positive way. So he's young, his career (will be) long," she explained, before adding a cabinet position was a very good possibility if Romney wins.
As for Ryan, Pearson expects him to change the tenor and conversation on the campaign trail in the near future. She says he may guide the conversation towards budget deficit repairs and spending cuts. The professor also warns that he may not do much in the way of grabbing independent swing voters.
In the end, many experts say the announcement amounts to being a splash on the front page for a few days. "Vice Presidential candidates do not determine elections, fundamentals determine elections," Pearson concluded.
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