Politics in Minnesota has an article on Pawlenty the budget magician in advance of his budget announcement this afternoon. Unfortunately the story notes the big difference between Harry Houdini and Tim Pawlenty:

"Unlike Houdini, Pawlenty is playing a role that can’t end painlessly. People will lose their health insurance, their childcare subsidies, their affordable nursing homes. Be it taxes, fees, or the withdrawing of  government support, the bang for your buck in state tax dollars is almost certain to diminish significantly."

The story is well done, and worth a full read. Check it out here.