St. Paul, Minn. — Gov. Tim Pawlenty is praising Republican Scott Brown for winning Tuesday's U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts. Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley in a special election to fill the late Edward Kennedy's seat.

Pawlenty's federal political action committee contributed to Brown's campaign, and encouraged others to give to him as well. Pawlenty said if a Republican can win in Massachusetts, Republicans will do well across the country in 2010.

"The Democrats in Washington have dramatically and foolishly overplayed their hand," Pawlenty said. "The pendulum is clearly swinging away from Democrats and that leaves opportunities for Republicans on why they should lead and govern the country."

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