Presidential Hopeful Pawlenty Courts Christie

New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie has vowed not to run for president next year, but his exploding national popularity has made him something of a king marker in the race. Likely candidate Tim Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota, paid an undisclosed visit to Christie Thursday, Politico reports.

That marks the third potential presidential candidate to come a courting for the conservative New Jersey governor. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also have paid their respects. And New Jersey Republicans tell Politico that others will follow.

An endorsement from Christie would confirm a candidate’s bona fides as a fiscal conservative.

But Christie aide Mike DuHaime said, “There’s no guarantee that he’ll endorse anybody.”