Gov. Tim Pawlenty, interviewed by CBS News’ Bob Schieffer today, again said he didn’t know what the future holds, declining to announce his candidacy for national office. But he did sound fairly presidential: he invoked Ronald Reagan’s name, gave deference to Rush Limbaugh as a “really important voice for the party” (but not the only one), and he spoke of his desire to help rebuild and expand the Republican Party. Why, asked Schieffer.

“Because we’re getting our tails kicked in elections.”

His butts-and-boots verbiage brings to mind a similar statement by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak on Fox Business today. Of the prospect of a Pawlenty presidential run, Rybak predicted: “Well, he’s gonna get his butt kicked by Barack Obama…”

On the subject of the unresolved Minnesota Senate race, he said — again — that he’ll follow the instructions of the state Supreme Court.