A good start for Pawlenty

AP reports:

Tim Pawlenty is casting himself as the Republican candidate willing to tell the United States the hard truths as he seeks the presidency, announcing in corn-dependent Iowa that its prized federal subsidies for ethanol should be phased out.

Pawlenty made his first public appearance today (NZ time) since announcing his candidacy yesterday.

He told supporters and GOP activists in the leadoff caucus state the nation can no longer afford to support the corn-based fuel additive.

Pawlenty says he knows it’s risky to challenge the prized subsidy on Iowa soil, where the former Minnesota governor must win or do very well in next year’s caucuses.

Pawlenty also said he plans to discuss changes to Social Security tomorrow (NZ time) when he campaigns in Florida, home to millions of the nation’s retirees.

Good. He will get respect for being prepared to announce tough polciies where they may be most unpopular. It may harm him in those states, but he will be seen as someone credible in terms of getting the massive US deficit under control.

At this stage, Pawlenty is my pick for the Republican nomination.