The former Minnesota governor joined the national stage in 2008 when his name showed up on John McCain's short list to be the Republican vice presidential candidate.

``T-Paw'' -- as he is known by his supporters -- was a popular two-term governor in a big swing state, giving him credibility as a Republican who can attract vital support from independent voters.

Pawlenty won plaudits for eliminating a $4.3 billion state budget deficit without raising taxes, although Democrats say he used short-term patches to paper over budget holes. He has been a staunch voice against abortion and stem-cell research.

Critics say he lacks charisma, a concern that remained undiminished after a low-key performance in a TV debate in South Carolina in early May against Republican rivals.

In ``Courage to Stand,'' a memoir timed to coincide with his campaign, Pawlenty denounced ``runaway spending'' in Washington and blamed Obama for a mountain of debt.

But he has had to account for his former support for a cap-and-trade anti-pollution plan, which is anathema to conservative voters.

``Everybody's got a couple of clunkers in their record. That's one of mine. It was a mistake. I'm sorry. It was dumb,'' Pawlenty told a New Hampshire audience.

Pawlenty announced in March that he would set up a presidential exploratory committee. He was the first senior Republican to do so. (Reuters)