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DeWine endorses Pawlenty for president; Kasich undecided

Attorney general likes former Minnesota governor’s stances.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (left) has endorsed former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (center) for the Republican nomination for president. Ohio Gov. John Kasich is undecided in his endorsement.

Jan Underwood Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (left) has endorsed former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (center) for the Republican nomination for president. Ohio Gov. John Kasich is undecided in his endorsement.

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By William Hershey, Staff Writer 11:22 PM Monday, July 11, 2011

COLUMBUS — Attorney General Mike DeWine has picked his candidate for president, former Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Gov. John Kasich is still looking.

DeWine’s endorsement came Monday as Pawlenty attempts to move up in the field of Republican candidates to take on Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012.

“I think he’s a winner,” DeWine of Cedarville said. “I like the fact that he’s been consistently pro-life. That is very important to me. I like the fact that he’s consistently anti-Obama health care. That’s important.”

Pawlenty’s ability to win in Democratic-leaning Minnesota shows “cross-party appeal,” said DeWine.

DeWine said he’s not worried that Pawlenty currently trails other GOP hopefuls in polling for the 2012 nomination. He was eighth among candidates and possible candidates, with a 4.5 percent average, on the RealClearPolitics website. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney led, with 25 percent.

“It’s early,” said DeWine.

Kasich, who backed Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour for the GOP nomination before Barbour dropped out, is waiting.

“I got a lot of things I have to do ... I’m playing hard to get,” he said.

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