Politics

ST. PAUL (AP) ― All summer, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty put on an aw-shucks front as he dodged questions about joining Republican John McCain's presidential ticket.

Honored to be mentioned. Just a committed volunteer. It's not about me.

All that ended when McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate -- and for Pawlenty, the heavy national attention is fading, too. He took to the Republican National Convention stage Thursday night to promote McCain, but his brief remarks came well before the TV networks tuned in.

As the convention he helped host comes to an end, the new guessing game is what's next for Pawlenty?

He has two years left on his second term, and probably will face a monster budget deficit next year. The November election could cause him major heartburn if Democrats pick up a handful of seats for a veto-proof majority in both chambers.

Pawlenty won't say whether he'll try for a third term, a rarity in Minnesota. Many, including several candidates lining up to seek the office, don't think he will.

A McCain win could mean Cabinet opportunities. Pawlenty, a self-professed policy wonk, has taken particular interest in energy and education.

He could opt for a return to the private sector once his term expires. Or he could start preparing his own White House bid if McCain's campaign ends in defeat.

Pawlenty held McCain up as a seasoned leader even if he lacks the rhetorical flair of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

"In this time, we don't need a president who can just read a poll or momentarily thrill a crowd. We don't need rhetoric or empty promises," Pawlenty told the far-from-full convention crowd. "We need a president who has the integrity and courage to make the tough choices so America will be stronger and safer."

The speech mirrored some that Pawlenty has given on the stump for McCain in a busy year of campaigning that earned the governor a place in the vice presidential consideration.

The same qualities that drew McCain's attention to Pawlenty could serve him down the political road. Affable and clever, Pawlenty is at ease schmoozing with business leaders and joking with sportsmen. He's got a common touch that reflects his roots in a blue-collar St. Paul suburb, while his lawyer's training and years as a state lawmaker honed a sharp wit that made him valuable on the campaign trail.

"He was a real winner in this process," said state Republican Party chairman Ron Carey. "He has been introduced to the country as a rising star."

Pawlenty crisscrossed the country stumping for McCain and congressional candidates, introducing himself to voters from New Hampshire to North Carolina and in battlegrounds like Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He made the rounds on cable and network political shows. He added to his own donor list.

On Wednesday, Pawlenty deflected a question about how his own fortunes have been affected by being on McCain's short list.

"I got into this because I really respect and admire John McCain. I've known him for years, I endorsed him early on almost two years ago and stuck with him through all the ups and downs. Nothing changes," Pawlenty said. "I don't need or want anything else out of it."

Others expect Pawlenty, just 47, to hold his place on the national stage.

"The Republican Party right now craves smart, energetic, innovative leadership," said GOP strategist Chris Georgacas, who has known Pawlenty since their college days. "Tim Pawlenty has those qualities in abundance and whether he remained governor or left public life he would have those qualities in spades and would be an attractive candidate in the future."

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