Politics | Cuban embargo Minn. Gov. Vetos Cuba Resolution He Supported Is Pawlenty suddenly backing embargo to boost VP odds? By Jonas Oransky Posted Jun 11, 2008 5:40 PM CDT Copied Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty addresses delegates at the Republican state convention at the Mayo Civic Center on Saturday, May 31, 2008, in Rochester, Minn. (AP Photo/The Star Tribune,Jennifer Simonson) Some Minnesota lawmakers are scratching their heads over their governor’s unusual veto of a resolution backing renewed trade relations with Cuba, but Matt Snyders writes in City Pages that Tim Pawlenty’s move may be a play to buddy up to John McCain. Pawlenty's been mentioned as a possible VP, but McCain could ill afford to have anyone on the ticket who wants to end the embargo—even if it would help the state's farmers. The veto was especially surprising because Pawlenty had blessed a state delegation’s recent trip to the island state and previously expressed support for free trade. But the support of anti-Havana Floridians is critical to national electoral success, and McCain has taken aim at Fidel. A Pawlenty rep insists, “That’s not the reason he vetoed it.” A veto letter said that Minnesota wouldn’t benefit from the change. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies The screwworm is truly the stuff of horror films. Report an error