Mary Pawlenty, a national political figure, visits Cornelius

Oct. 5 Former Minnesota First Lady Mary Pawlenty was a guest at the North Mecklenburg Republican “Victory Office” in Cornelius today. Pawlenty spoke to volunteers and other Republican supporters about how to rally support for Republicans in North Carolina.

Susan Tillis and Mary Pawlenty

Pawlenty is the wife of former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, who served from 2003-2011.  She is a former attorney and district court judge. Cornelius resident Susan Tillis, wife of North Carolina Speaker of the House Thom Tillis, introduced Pawlenty at the appearance meant to unite Republican volunteers on the eve of the “Tar Heel Turnout.”  North Carolina is classified as a “swing state” for November’s presidential election, meaning that neither the Republicans nor Democrats have a clear majority of the vote.

On Oct. 6, Republican volunteers will be gathering for a considerable door-to-door and phone-banking operation dubbed the “Tar Heel Turnout.”

“Our country would not be the country it is if it were not for people who are like you, who are caring and putting their time and their energy, their soul, and their passion into doing what you are doing.  It makes all the difference in the world,” said Pawlenty. "No pressure, but North Carolina has got to go red.  It is absolutely essential,” said Pawlenty.

- Tara E. Moore