He coulda been a contender. That’s what I think when I hear about Tim Pawlenty, the second-term Republican governor of Minnesota.

Once, I’d have picked Pawlenty as a presidential candidate, or an astute choice for VP. But then, well, the governor was awfully lucky just to squeak back into office last year.

Pawlenty won his first term on a pledge not to raise taxes. But back in 2004, he buckled under legislative pressure to raise taxes. He floated a compromise, whereby he’d sign a 75-cent per pack cigarette tax for one of several policy changes the governor wanted. He added insult to injury by stupidly referring to the tax as a user fee.

In his defense, what there is, Pawlenty did want to trade for good stuff. Among the items he offered to swap the legislature for was establishing a statewide voter initiative process. A great idea. But come on, as politics works, Minnesota voters just ended up with tax increases.

This year, though, Pawlenty has returned to form, or maybe he’s grown in office, because he vetoed 20 tax and spending increases passed by the legislature.

Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum. Thank goodness for the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, running a smart and aggressive campaign. And it sure didn’t hurt to have Mr. Right, talk show host Jason Lewis, back in the state. He held a huge capitol rally against the increases.

It takes a lot of work from citizens to instill into an elected official the heart of a champion.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.