Pawlenty on backing McCain: “If it costs me, it costs me.”

Gov. Pawlenty spoke with Missouri reporters after he gave a 25 minute speech to conservative activists at the Missouri Republican Party's Lincoln Days Dinner on Friday night.

During the q and a, Pawlenty was asked if he thought his decision to back John McCain's U.S. Senate bid would hurt him among far right conservatives if he ran for the White House in 2012. Here's his response:

"I've known John McCain for twenty years dating back the last 1980s, I've long considered him a friend and somebody I greatly admire for his service to our country both in the military and as a United States Senator. I believe he deserves reelection to the United States Senate as a Republican. So I'm going to stand on that principle, if that costs me it costs me but it's what I believe."

Pawlenty co-chaired the McCain for President committee in 2008 and was considered to be on McCain's short list of running mates. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin ended up getting the nod.

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