(Original image from ThinkProgress)
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2005, calling threats of a government shutdown "naked cynicism" by Democrats:
June 15, 2005: I think they have concluded a shutdown would be good. It's a political strategy, it's a cynical strategy.
June 30, 2005: It is an example of irresponsible and bizarre behavior, the likes of which I don't think I've seen before. I am stunned by the naked cynicism of the Democratic strategy.
Presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty, 2011, urging Republicans to threaten a government shutdown:
PAWLENTY: We’ve got to get back to certain principles and responsibilities and starting with getting the budget balanced and if it takes a dramatic moment or a dramatic week or a dramatic month, those kinds of line-in-the-sand moments are what we need to get politicians back up against the wall and have them make the tough decisions. They all talk about making the tough decisions and never do.
KEYES: So you would support a shutdown if it comes down to it?
PAWLENTY: If it came down to it and it was between that and not getting the budget headed in the right direction, that’s an option I think Republicans have to consider.
Moral of the story: Tim Pawlenty believes his side has the God-given right to shut down the government whenever it damn well pleases. And if anybody disagrees with what Republicans want to do, then screw it. Shut 'em down.