Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today he would co-chair Sen. John McCain's presidential exploratory committee.

Pawlenty said McCain was a "once in a generation" fit to become president in 2008.

This endorsement is particularly significant because the Republican National Convention will be held in Minneapolis. Pawlenty, who is one of the few Republican governor's to survive the 2008 midterm elections, is also expected to become chairman of the National Governors Association this summer.