Politics

Tim Pawlenty benefits from Gingrich staff exodus

Amanda Carey Contributor
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Following announcements of an exodus of staffers from Newt Gingrich’s campaign Thursday afternoon, Tim Pawlenty’s campaign let it be known that Gingrich’s former national campaign co-chair, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, had joined Pawlenty’s campaign.

“Tim Pawlenty is a great man, he was a phenomenal governor, and he is the person I now believe stands the greatest chance of defeating President Obama,” said Perdue in a statement released by the Pawlenty campaign. “He is the only candidate who has laid out a real plan to grow the American economy, and his track record in Minnesota is proof he’s the right man for the job.”

The Pawlenty campaign statement that Perdue would “join its national efforts” did not specify what the former Georgia governor’s role would be.

Prior to the announcement, Pawlenty’s deputy national finance director, Katie McBreen, tweeted “No Newt is Good Newt.”

An hour later, McBreen appeared to revise her initial response by tweeting, “@ThomasDeRosa Unofficial @KatieMcBreen response. Oh, and that he’s also a great American and friend.”

Alexis Levinson contributed to this report.