The Courage to Stand, A Likely Story: Or, judging Pawlenty's book by its cover

The Rochester Post Bulletin names the place where Tim Pawlenty boldly grimaced for the cover of his forthcoming political memoir in A familiar local setting for Pawlenty's book cover:

A look at Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's new book cover helped end what had been an ongoing source of curiosity here in the Post-Bulletin newsroom. A few months ago, Post-Bulletin reporter John Weiss had spotted the governor posing for professional photos at Frontenac State Park near Red Wing. But Pawlenty's spokesman would never say what those photos were for.

Now we know. Frontenac State Park serves as the background for the cover to Pawlenty's new book -  Courage to Stand: An American Story. It features the governor standing on the bluff with Lake Pepin in the background and a tough, determined look on his face.

"Tough look" is one way to read the expression on his face. Other local wags suggested that it might have been a burrito that produced that look.

And there's always a critic in the crowd. A friend from high school suggested a different background, and the divine Tild did the rest.

Sally Jo Sorensen

Sally Jo Sorensen publishes Bluestem Prairie for those who prefer take their corn with a progressive chaser.