A recent article by the Star Tribune, State economist: A thorn in governor’s philosophy, puts the Minnesota state economist at odd with the governor. While Governor Tim Pawlenty is an only-spending-cuts-will-save-us type Republican, at least lately, the state economist, Tom Stinson, argues that there is no single solution (e.g., neither tax hikes nor spending cuts alone) to the money woes in Minnesota. In fact, Mr Stinson appears to support President Barack Obama‘s economic stimulus efforts, which Pawlenty has had nothing but ill will toward.

I am not sure whether we have had enough time to know if the stimulus has worked, I am certain that I will give the state economist, who has been doing this work for Minnesota for some twenty years, benefit of the doubt. Which is more than Pawlenty appears willing to do, because Stinson’s forecasts do not fall in line with the governor’s national political aspirations.

From the article:

As the state’s budget deficit ballooned into billions of dollars, the Republican governor blamed DFLers, who he says would rather raise taxes than rein in spending. In the process, Pawlenty has barely mentioned Stinson and rarely talks to him.

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