Examining the Debate: Pawlenty Falls Short to Romney

Monday night’s GOP debate at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire had voters and political pundits questioning who would emerge as a challenger to the race’s presumed frontrunner, Gov. Mitt Romney. Many believe former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to be this challenger. Over the past weekend, he began increasing his attacks against Romney’s state healthcare law, labeling it “Obamneycare.” However, despite Pawlenty’s best efforts, he has made little progress in becoming the major alternative (take a look at a collection of national polls here). Did Monday night’s debate change anything?

Little was changed for Pawlenty; however, the debate did show that Romney’s biggest challenger will likely come from a Tea Party candidate. 

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