You can expect some changes among Minnesota's political leaders.  Governor Tim Pawlenty announced he will not seek a third term next year. 

Pawlenty's stock with the national Republican Party rose last year when he became a visible supporter of John McCain's campaign. Many saw Pawlenty as a possible running mate, but he was passed over for Sarah Palin.  And while the Governor won't reveal his future political plans, Minnesotans say it's pretty clear.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was quiet Tuesday when asked what was next for him.  But some in his state are wondering whether he made the decision not to run for re-election too early.

"That's his decision. But in this world right now, what we're going through, nobody knows what anybody's going to do," Melissa Shipley of Worthington said.

In Southwest Minnesota, people aren't exactly in the center of the political universe and say sometimes it's like they're on the outside looking in. But even from the town of Adrian, they say they can see how Pawlenty is positioning himself.

"It seems pretty obvious given that he's traveled extensively in the last Presidential election. I think we'll definitely see him moving towards a bigger office,” Tim Barr of Adrian said.

But with the next Presidential election more than three years away, the fate of a possible run is still up for debate.

"Not sure if he'll get there. And I'd appreciate a much more conservative candidate than him. But I'd at least be thankful to have him,” Barr said.

"Why not? They let a Texan. They let a Californian. They let a, lets see, Obama, Illinois. So anything in possible,” Shipley said.

As far as that the Governor's race next year in Minnesota, both Republicans and Democrats are expected to have a long list of candidates.