On Sunday, after a disappointing defeat in Iowa’s Ames Straw Poll, Tim Pawlenty withdrew from the presidential race, saying that “the audience, so to speak, wanted something different.” What Iowa Republicans want, at least according to the straw poll results, is Michele Bachmann, who many pundits agreed had bested Pawlenty in a harsh exchange at last week’s GOP debate. Just hours before he dropped out of the race, Pawlenty’s campaign emailed supporters with a claim that he was eager to continue the fight, a fundraising pitch, a new video title “The American Comeback Begins,” and a bravado that seems to have lasted about 12 hours:
Hello Friends –
I want to congratulate Congresswoman Bachmann on her victory in today’s straw poll. I’m also very proud of the work my campaign has done, and I appreciate their hard work. As I’ve said all along, we needed to show progress to do well, and we did just that. This is a long process to restore America — we are just beginning, and I’m eager for the campaign.
I’m encouraged by our progress, and I’m so thankful for the thousands of Iowans who showed their support for my candidacy by voting for me in Ames. Don’t miss my remarks at the straw poll earlier today including our latest video.
We are now moving onto the next phase of our campaign. Over the coming weeks we will be visiting New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida while continuing to grow our already strong ground game in Iowa.
Mary and I will never forget your continued support, words of encouragement, and friendship. But we need YOUR help to take the message that resonated in Iowa to the rest of the country. Can I count on you for a special “Victory Contribution” of $25, $50, $100 or even $250, to commemorate our strong showing in Ames?
We’ve completed an important first step on the road to the Republican nomination and, ultimately, the White House. We can’t do it alone, and I need your support to continue the journey.
Sincerely,Tim Pawlenty
