STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) -- Possible Republican vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is keynote speaker for Wisconsin Republicans at their annual state convention in Stevens Point.

Pawlenty, speaking at the Friday night banquet, is national co-chairman of John McCain's campaign for the presidency. Pawlenty is seen by many to be a good balance for the 71-year-old Arizona senator.

Pawlenty on the ticket could bring Minnesota, with its 10 electoral votes, into the Republican column after going Democratic in the past eight presidential elections.

The 47-year-old governor is midway through his second term and has deflected questions about whether he would serve as McCain's running mate if asked.