In 2010, Pawlenty praised rival Bachmann for 'leadership', 'guts' and 'persistence'

Pawlenty has criticized his rival for the 2012 GOP nomination more recently, but gushed over Bachmann not long ago.

Despite his recent remarks that Rep. Michele Bachmann’s (R-Minn.) record in Congress is “nonexistent," Tim Pawlenty praised her “leadership,” “guts” and “persistence” at a fundraising dinner last year.

He gushed over his Republican rival for the presidential nomination in March 2010 at a fundraising dinner for the Susan B. Anthony List, a group that opposes abortion rights.

“I can give a personal testimony only to what you already know and what you are witnessing on television and the halls of Congress and in advocacy all across this country," he said.

“This,” he said, describing Bachmann, “is one of the finest leaders in the country. She has guts, she has brains, she has integrity, she has determination, she has persistence, she has the skills, ability and passion to change this country, and we need your leadership, Congresswoman Bachmann.”

Bachmann was at the dinner, where Pawlenty was the keynote speaker. Neither had announced a presidential campaign at the time, but Pawlenty was laying the groundwork.

But recently, as Bachmann has surged in the polls, Pawlenty has increased his criticism of her.

On Sunday, he told NBC's "Meet the Press" that her “record of accomplishment in Congress is nonexistent.”

One day later, he was on the attack again, telling Fox News that Bachmann gave “great speeches” but lacked the executive experience to lead the nation. And once again, he dubbed her congressional record “nonexistent.”

That characterization has become so prevalent that his campaign’s spokesman, Alex Conant, tweeted out the attack on Monday.

Pawlenty has picked up attacks on Bachmann in the past few weeks since a number of polls have shown her vaulting to a lead in Iowa, the early caucus state that’s considered a must-win for both.

An American Research Group poll released Wednesday showed Bachmann leading the entire field in the state, with Pawlenty managing only 2 percent for eighth place. And in an Iowa Republican Poll released Monday, Bachmann picked up 25 percent of likely caucus-goers’ support, while Pawlenty scored only 9 percent.

His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

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