PAWLENTY MOVING - AT 9:09 P.M. ET:  There's been a heavy focus on former Governor Sarah Palin, but watch Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota.  Skillful and appealing, he's making his move for 2012:

In a twin boost to his growing national political profile, Gov. Tim Pawlenty got a new bully pulpit Monday and issued a joint report on health care with a U.S. Republican House leader.

Pawlenty, who has already crammed his schedule full of national appearances, was elected vice-chairman of the Republican Governors Association, a post he can use to boost the campaigns of 39 GOP candidates in elections this year and next.

The visibility of the position also allows him to burnish his own credentials as a next-generation Republican leader -- and possibly help him position himself for a presidential run in 2012.

Pawlenty has decided not to run for reelection next year, clearing his schedule for a presidential run in 2012.  Along with Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, and possibly Mike Huckabee, he has to be considered in the front rank of contenders.  Nationally, he would be a fresh face.

The 2012 election is many, many political lifetimes from now.  Anything we say in July of 2009 is pure speculation.  But it appears that we can count Pawlenty in.

July 28, 2009