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MN Gov. Pawlenty Says GOP Must Improve

By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Nov 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 2:40 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Republican Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he welcomes his party's success in winning two key races for governor, but he cautions that the GOP must improve after election losses in recent years.

Speaking Wednesday on a conference call with reporters before a weekend appearance in Des Moines, Pawlenty noted the party had a
good night Tuesday with wins in New Jersey and Virginia. But after big losses in 2006 and 2008, he says Republicans must focus on improving the party's standing.

Asked about the loss of a New York congressional candidate he endorsed over the official GOP candidate, Pawlenty defended his decision. He called the process for picking the Republican flawed and says it produced a disappointing candidate.

Democrat Bill Owens won the seat, which had been represented by Republicans for more than a century.

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