Pawlenty Delivers Growth Message in Windy City

Chicago, IL, a place that can benefit from this view more than most, given the state lost jobs the last 10 years, even during good times-- 48th out of the 50 states. Yet this is where the Obama campaign is based.

The former Republican governor of blue trending red Minnesota (both state houses went GOP this year, tho they now have a liberal Dem governor) introduced himself in a Chicago Tribune op-ed this morning. I especially like the Google test:)

"We can start by applying what I call the Google Test," he said. "If you can find a service or a good on Google or the Internet then the federal government probably doesn't need to be doing that good or service. The post office, the government printing office, Amtrak, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were all built for a different time in our country and a different chapter in our economy when the private sector did not adequately provide those services. That's no longer the case."

Getting the economy moving again takes the right policy prescriptions:

Pushing a free-market agenda for job creation and economic growth, Pawlenty said he would target 5 percent growth in the economy, instead of what he labeled the "anemic" 2 percent envisioned by the president's team.

“Such a national economic growth target will set our sights on a positive future and inspire the actions needed to reach it," Pawlenty said. "By the way, 5 percent growth is not some pie-in-the-sky number. We’ve done it before, and with the right policies, we can do it again."

Pawlenty proposed cutting the current federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 15 percent coupled with closing loopholes. He also would give small businesses the option of using corporate tax rates.

For individuals, Pawlenty said he was proposing a "simpler, fairer, flatter" tax system.

Continuing his tack of straight talk and tough love in each venue:), he went after crony capitalism, striking the right populist chord on the radio this morning. Then Governor Pawlenty further challenged the president on his Chicago Way in a speech at the free market friendly Chicago School:)

The Club for Growth, which has been cautious on the governor, was approving:

But Chris Chocola, president of the Club for Growth, an influential anti-tax group, defended Mr. Pawlenty’s proposal as “strong, pro-growth tax and budget reforms that will spur economic growth and create jobs.”

“He is exactly right in calling for cleaning up the tax code by instituting flatter tax rates and eliminating tax loopholes and giveaways,” Mr. Chocola said, applauding his push for a balanced budget amendment. “His support for cutting the corporate tax rate, eliminating the capital-gains tax and dividend tax is outstanding.”

Full text.