Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, referred to as T-Paw by those who may or may not not get th irony of comparing the once-mulleted 46-year-old Republican to an international hip-hop star, is still atop many observers' lists of possible running mates for John McCain.

The Boston Globe profiles Pawlenty today, and he is one of several candidates from both sides examined by the Wall Street Journal over the weekend.

Pawlenty would be expected to put Minnesota in play for McCain, though CQ's VP Watch doesn't put much stock in the home-state boost argument, especially for vice presidential nominees. He could provide ties that McCain needs to evangelicals, and, as head of the National Governors Association, he has focused attention on energy and environment issues that may be critical to independents.

But there is an often overlooked angle may be the most important. If McCain plans to knock the depth of Obama's resume -- and all indications are that he does -- Pawlenty's 10 years in the state House (including a stint as majority leader) and six years as Minnesota's governor compare well to Democratic nominee Barack Obama's eight years in the state Senate and four years in the U.S. Senate. McCain's camp would no doubt note that in addition to executive experience on domestic issues, Pawlenty has visited Iraq more often as governor than Obama has as a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. And, Pawlenty, 47, is about the same age as Obama, 46.

But Pawlenty, like everyone else you know, doesn't approach Obama's star power. Actually, he is entirely unheard of nationally, and his selection could land with a thud. He has been flexible enough on taxes and spending to raise the ire of at least a few fiscal conservatives.

Former budget director/trade representative/congressman and frequent Veep mention Rob Portman says he expects that John McCain's campaign will wait as long as possible to name a running mate.

"My sense is that they are wisely waiting to see what the dynamics of the race are closer to our convention which will include knowing who Sen. Obama picks," Portman told me by phone as he traveled to a McCain event in Portsmouth, Ohio, yesterday. "I think that's smart to wait and have the best information possible."

He also said he can't handicap the field.

"I don't really know what their short list looks like or necessarily what their priorities are," he said.

Portman has been stumping for McCain across Ohio, a task that not only gives him face time with the presumed nominee but also allows him to build statewide contacts should he run for governor or senator in 2010.

He said McCain has a lot of good options and that he probably won't be the one to be number two.

"I appreciate being on some of the lists," Portman said. "I really don't think I'm going to be asked."

Portman backers note his handle on economic matters and his roots in the swing state of Ohio as plusses in the vice presidential calculus. But his ties to the Bush administration and limited reach outside his old Cincinnati district weigh against him.

Portman acknowledged that campaigning for McCain is giving him a chance to build better statewide contacts in preparation for a possible run in 2010, when Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland would be up for re-election and Republican Sen. George Voinovich is expected to retire.

Portman, who has kept his congressional fundraising committee open, acknowledged the secondary benefits of stumping for McCain should he choose to make a bid.

"It could be useful," he said. "I'm going to make a decision at the end of this year."

For now, he said, he is happy to be promoting McCain.

"I think he's the right person for this country in what is a tough time," Portman said.