Pawlenty: States' rights belong in health debate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has raised concerns that federal health care proposals will step on states' rights.

But Pawlenty is stopping short of saying he would sue to stop any federal changes from taking effect in his state.

The potential 2012 presidential candidate first broached the 10th Amendment states' rights topic Thursday while answering a question during a telephone briefing organized by the Republican Governors Association.

Pawlenty tempered his comments Friday. He said there should be a discussion on whether possible changes overstep the federal government's proper role. He says a proposed public insurance alternative to compete with private plans is a troubling example of ``the federal government proposing to take over more stuff.'

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