Hey, thanks Tim Pawlenty!

I loved the shout out. It would have been nice if you mentioned my name since we have known each other pretty well for a dozen or so years, but I understand you’re being respectful and not making it personal. I do. And while we don’t agree on the issues, and are from very different sides of the aisle, the last thing I want to do is add to the acrimony. But where are you getting your facts? President Obama and I share a lot of passion and commitment to same issues, one of which is work ethic. I only take off a few days per month, I think I had 4 in August and only have 2 or 3 days off in September. And on those days I was sneaking work calls while my wife wasn’t looking and returning messages on my phone ’til the wee hours. The President doesn’t need me to remind the world that he never takes a day off. I had the privilege of seeing that up close and personal at the White House last spring when he spent half of a holiday working away while his family took care of his personal commitments. Thanks though for keeping the Minnesota love flowing and for putting me in such great company. Links below to all the fun for those that missed the Republican National Convention speeches last night.

UPI.com: Pawlenty: Romney’s business acumen needed

Politico: Tim Pawlenty RNC speech transcript (text, video)

Tim Pawlenty’s speech at the Republican National Convention as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you. Thank you very much. Good evening everyone, and welcome to Barack Obama’s retirement party!….Four years ago, we came together for this convention back in my home state of Minnesota, and a lot’s happened since then.We’ve had four years of Barack Obama in the White House. Ah, the Obama White House, one bad decision follows another. Hard to say exactly just what his worst mistake has been. There’s so many to choose from: The stimulus. His energy policy. Obamacare. Taxes. Joe Biden. I hear Joe’s particularly interested in tonight’s proceedings. He even thought about coming here to Tampa. And he’s taking notes because when Paul Ryan speaks, Joe will finally get to hear what a real vice president sounds like! But you know, President Obama isn’t as bad as people say, he’s actually worse. The president takes more vacations than that guy on the Bizarre Foods show. And I’ll give Barack Obama credit for creating jobs these last four years for golf caddies. Actually, Barack Obama is the first president to create more excuses than jobs! In his view, it’s George’s fault. It’s the bank’s fault. It’s Europe’s fault. It’s the weather’s fault. It’s Congress’ fault. Mr. President, if you want to find fault, I suggest you look in the mirror!”