Minnesota’s Pawlenty: GOP must lure independents, Democrats to rebuild party in Obama eraSAN DIEGO — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Thursday urged fellow Republicans to welcome outsiders into the party ranks, not scorn them, as the GOP rebuilds from defeats that left the White House and Congress in Democratic hands. Minnesota’s Pawlenty: GOP must lure conservative Democrats, others to build party cloutSAN DIEGO — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says Republicans should reach out to conservative Democrats and independents to rebuild the party’s clout in the era of Barack Obama. With Democrats in charge in Washington, Republicans look toward future at GOP conclaveLOS ANGELES — With Congress and the White House in Democratic hands, Republican Party leaders meeting in San Diego hope to map plans for a rebound that will repair the party’s tarnished brand, lure back big-dollar contributors and increase voter registration from coast to coast. |