Former governor throws hat into ring: Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a laid-back Midwestern Republican who governed a Democratic-leaning state, is running for president and will declare his candidacy on Monday in the leadoff caucus state of Iowa, an adviser told The Associated Press. The adviser, who disclosed the plans on the condition of anonymity in advance of next week’s announcement, says Pawlenty will formally enter the race during a town hall–style event in Des Moines, Iowa. He’s choosing to make his long-expected bid official in a state critical to his aspired path toward the GOP nomination. Advisers acknowledge that Pawlenty, 50, must win or turn in a strong showing during next winter’s caucuses in the neighboring state of Iowa to have any chance of becoming the Republican who will challenge President Barack Obama, a Democrat, next November.
Louisiana rate unchanged: The unemployment rate fell last month in more than three-quarters of the nation’s states, evidence that companies are feeling more confident in the U.S. economy. The Labor Department says that the unemployment rate dropped in 39 states in April. That’s an improvement from March when 34 states reported decreases. The April rate rose in three states and the District of Columbia. It was unchanged in eight states, including Louisiana, which held at 8.1%. Nationally, businesses have added more than 250,000 jobs per month, on average, in the past three months. It’s the fastest hiring spree in five years. The unemployment rate has dropped nearly a full percentage point since November. Still, it remains very high at 9%.
