Will the overbearing police actions during the RNC push Pawlenty out as a Palin replacement?

[calmblueocean]

Okay, I know this is a very hypothetical question. I don't even believe that McCain has the capacity within himself to dump Palin once he's made that public commitment to her as VP.

But let's just say it happens. The scandals pile up, the poll ratings plummet, and McCain dumps Palin within the month.

I've heard some throw Pawlenty's name out as a possible replacement, but the actions of St. Paul police and other law enforcement agencies over the course of the past few days have been outrageous, with homes being pre-emptively invaded to search for evidence of "conspiracy to commit riot" and innocent people like Amy Goodman being arrested for no reason at all. The backlash is already building. The Twin Cities are very progressive, and there's a wave of shock and horror and disgust sweeping through them right now, as residents wonder what the hell has happened to Minnesota.

Will this mean Pawlenty is out, too, as a possible veep replacement? I think so. Sure, lots of Republicans love strongarm tactics, but frankly, some don't. And the moderates and independents that McCain needs to win sure as hell don't, either. It's precisely this kind of Bush-style politics-of-overreaction that people are trying to get away from.

So do you think the hardline police state tactics will disqualify Pawlenty? Do you think McCain will dump Palin in the first place? Just curious to hear DU's thoughts on the matter.