But he wonders how one often cited Pawlenty trait, his apparent addiction to micromanagement, would serve him as president.

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter

Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, believes history will be kind to Gov. Tim Pawlenty — and former governor Jesse Ventura, for that matter.

But he wonders how one often cited Pawlenty trait, his apparent addiction to micromanagement, would serve him as president.

Abeler recalled how once when going over a piece of legislation, Pawlenty became fixed on rewriting a few words in the bill — words Abeler did not deem vital to the bill's overall purpose.

A president, Abeler mused, needs to focus on the big picture and leave the details to staff.

That was one failing of former president Jimmy Carter, Abeler explained.

He failed to do that.

Contrasting Pawlenty and Ventura, Abeler argued that Ventura surrounded himself with a more experienced group of people in his administration than Pawlenty has done in his.

But Abeler judged Pawlenty a good governor.