Tim Pawlenty’s willingness to buck the conventional wisdom on ethanol subsidies (among other things) is a hopeful sign. It’s still early, but it suggests he’s more interested in building a mandate to do what’s right — it shows a desire to lead, not simply to win for winning’s sake.  As one who’s quite uninspired by the current slate of candidates, I hope it is a sign of things to come.

Pawlenty’s remarks also create an interesting contrast with other candidates. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, for example, has found it easier to criticize the House GOP budget than federal farm subsidies.