Pawlenty Departs Romney Campaign

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty has stepped down as the national co-chair of Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign to take a job as chief executive at a Washington lobbying firm, it was reported on Thursday. The onetime presidential candidate will take the job at Financial Services Roundtable following the retirement of Tim Wilson. “Few industries have more impact on the entire economy—and on the lives of average Americans—than financial services,” said Pawlenty in an announcement regarding his prestigious new gig. The top job at Financial Services Roundtable is considered among the most desirable—and most lucrative—jobs in Washington, and Pawlenty could stand to make as much as $1.8 million a year in salary.