Governor Rejects PETA Request

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty sank an animal rights group's request. Governor Tim PawlentyPeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals asked Pawlenty to declare walleye off-limits for fishing. PETA said a recent study showed fish are smart and feel pain. In a written statement, Pawlenty said, "The PETA 'Fish Empathy Project' is nutty and misses the mark." Pawlenty said PETA displayed "goofy judgment" and that fishing was not, as PETA claimed, the same as hooking a dog or cat through the mouth with a large hook and dragging it behind your car. "Minnesota cares for its natural resources and that fishing is part of our way of life," Pawlenty said. He concluded saying, "Because of the letter, I am going out for a walleye dinner tonight."