One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
Following a fast ascent in the 1990s to a leadership role in the Minnesota House, he was elected governor in 2002 and immediately faced an historic budget shortfall. His no-new-taxes pledge in his first term was celebrated by many on the right as a principled stand for limited government, and was a focus of many of his critics, who argued that it handcuffed him.
He balanced the books that first year without state tax hikes while winning several social policy battles in a devastating defeat of legislative DFLers.
Ever since, heated confrontation has marked relations between DFLers and Pawlenty. His survival, with only modest concessions, has helped keep this suburban conservative with a youthful, even hip, image in the national spotlight.
Party: Republican Age: 48; born Nov. 27, 1960 Birthplace: South St. Paul Family: Wife Mary; two daughters Elected: 2002 and 2006 Employment history: practicing attorney Eagan Planning Commission Eagan City Council Minnesota House of Representatives Education: University of Minnesota, B.A.; J.D. Website: www.governor.state.mn.us www.timpawlenty.com Email: tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us Phone: (651) 296-3391, (800) 657-3717
Judge Mary Pawlenty FIRST LADY OF MINNESOTA
First Lady Mary Anderson Pawlenty grew up in Edina, Minnesota, the youngest of five daughters. She graduated from Edina-East High School in 1979. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science, summa cum laude, from Bethel College in 1983, and a juris doctor, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1986. The first lady practiced law in Houston, Texas for one year following graduation, and then returned to Minnesota to marry Governor Tim Pawlenty, whom she had met in law school.
In 1994, while practicing as a partner and civil litigator, the first lady was appointed to the bench as a district court judge by then Governor Arne Carlson. She served as a judge from 1994 to 2007 in the First Judicial District and was chambered in Hastings, Minnesota. Her work as a judge included all levels of criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. Currently, Mrs. Pawlenty is a mediator of civil disputes, assisting parties in resolving their differences by mutual agreement rather than through litigation.
As first lady of Minnesota, Judge Pawlenty frequently visits elementary schools to teach students about democracy and the three branches of government, with a special emphasis on the judiciary. She has also created the First Lady's Heart Health Initiative, an awareness campaign for women about reducing the risk of heart disease and the First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative, a program that allows community-based organizations to volunteer their time and services to help families of deployed soldiers.
First Lady Mary Pawlenty received the distinguished "Patrick Henry Award" from the National Guard Association of the United States for her efforts in creating her First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative. The Patrick Henry Award is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility, distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or the National Guard Association of the United States.
The first lady also received the Order of St. Maurice Civis Award from The National Infantry Association in 2005. The Order of St. Maurice Civis Award, which is named after the patron saint of the United States Infantry, is given to civilian supporters who have made significant or outstanding contributions to the Infantry. To date, less than 150 Civis Awards have been given nationally since the award was established in 1996.
In her free time, the first lady enjoys reading, fishing, hiking and exploring Minnesota with her children. Click here to learn more about some of the first lady's favorite Minnesota places.
The first lady and Governor are the proud parents of two daughters.
Mary Pawlenty, lawyer, former district court judge and First Lady of Minnesota, is married to Governor Tim Pawlenty. The power couple live in Eagan, Minnesota with their two daughters, Anna, 15, and Mara, 12. They have opted not to live in the governor’s mansion, a decision that was initially made because it would have taken Mary Pawlenty out of her jurisdiction.
