Pawlenty meets with Haley ahead of decision

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty met with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at the Statehouse as he mulls a presidential bid and made his second swing into this early primary state.

Pawlenty visited with Haley Wednesday.

Haley’s endorsement in the first GOP contest in the South would be a prize for any presidential campaign. Pawlenty called it a courtesy visit.

Pawlenty said his decision on a bid for The White House will come within about a month and the party is looking for someone to take the country in a new direction.

The two-term governor last visited the state in June for GOP fundraising events. His Wednesday visit included a stop at an Aiken County Republican group’s meeting.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)