Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is leaving the race for the Republican presidential nomination, after finishing third in the Iowa straw poll. I’m a little surprised, but I guess after the enormous work he put into doing well in Iowa, it’s all-but-impossible for him to make the case to donors that he continues to have a practical shot at winning the nomination. I think it’s a pity, because I think that Pawlenty had the best fundamentals of any declared candidate, in terms of record and substance—at least until yesterday when Perry entered the race.
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One wonders why he didn’t strip down his campaign, a la John McCain in 2007/08, and just hang in there, participating in debates and such and waiting for an opening. Perhaps his lack of willingness to do that indicates a lack of desire at a more basic level; or, more kindly, perhaps he doesn’t want to be a spoiler. The field will be poorer for his absence. Republicans have to make the right choice this time. It’s a shame to see one of the most substantively excellent candidates drop off so soon. It’s a tough game.