GOP presidential hopeful Pawlenty says Palin is a “force of nature”

WASHINGTON - Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who is considering contesting the 2012 presidential elections, has said that he has “a long way to go” to match the recognition of potential rival Sarah Palin, who he considers a “force of nature.”

“I’ve got a long way to go to get people to even know my name, much less worrying about whether I could beat, you know, the force of nature that is Sarah Palin,” Politico quoted him, as saying.

Pawlenty further praised Palin, saying that she has what it takes to “do a good job as President” but is not convinced that she will run for the post.

“If she wanted to compete for the presidency, I think she has the tools to do it. You don’t know what’s going to happen two years from now in politics,” he added.

Pawlenty, who chose not to run for re-election after two terms as Governor, is all set to begin a book tour to promote his autobiography, “Courage to Stand: An American Story,” which is due to be released on Tuesday.

He said he would most likely decide whether he’s running for president in March or April.

“There is no doubt in my mind I’d be prepared to be President,” he said, adding that he had a “very clear vision” of what presidential leadership ought to look like in tough economic times. (ANI)