Pawlenty’s Busy Schedule Leading to White House?

Governor Tim Pawlenty has been busy traveling. Some people are speculating that he is working his way to run for president.

In addition to this week's visit to troops in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, Pawlenty's recent and upcoming trips have him at conferences or republican meetings in San Diego, Arkansas, Nashville, Chicago, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Some Minnesotans think he should be in Minnesota since they are paying him to be governor. Others think he is the governor and is entitled to do what ever he wants.

National news outlets like Politico are taking note of Pawlenty's travels, and so are Minnesota democrats.

One democrat thinks Pawlenty want to run for president and therefore has checked out of being the governor.

The governor’s office calls these charges baseless, saying Pawlenty is "active, energetic, and hands on.” They say he is completely devoted to his duties as governor of Minnesota. Pawlenty has not said yes or no to running for president in 2012, instead playing down his status.

But many pundits believe Pawlenty's travels could change all that. Political analyst David Schultz says recent stumbles by Sarah Palin, Mark Sanford and Newt Gingrich have opened the door for Pawlenty.