By Mike Kaszuba

Republican Chris Barden, who is trying to jump start his campaign to unseat state Attorney General Lori Swanson, was endorsed Tuesday by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Calling Barden "one of the best educated candidates for Attorney General" in the state's history, Pawlenty said Barden would join a legal challenge to President Obama's health care law and would also as state attorney general champion photo ID as a voting requirement. "Chris is a unique resource for Minnesota," said the outgoing Republican governor.

Pawlenty lauded Barden's educational background, including an advanced degree from the University of Minnesota, and a degree from Harvard Law School.