FILE - In this July 30, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks at a luncheon during the Republican National Committee summer meeting in San Diego. Oh, how the tables have turned. Nervous Democrats are on defense and emboldened Republicans sense opportunity heading into 2010 and the midterm elections. It was just three years ago that the GOP lost the House and Senate as well as governor's mansions in a cross-country Democratic wave.
(AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, FILE)