RIP Pawlenty '12

Before it even began.

Seems Pawlenty has decided, one day after declaring his candidacy for the GOP nomination in 2012, to fall on his sword by publicly stating -- in Iowa, no less -- his opposition to ethanol subsidies. He believes in a gradual phase-out, and that no program is sacred anymore.

This type of major gaffe would be like publicly stating in South Carolina that a candidate's religion has nothing to do with his ability to serve in any public office, let alone President of the United States.