Gov. Tim Pawlenty will cross paths (if not swords) with President Obama in Nevada later this month, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is in the fight of his political life. Despite having a massive campaign war chest, Reid's poll numbers are abysmal, giving Republicans hope that he can be knocked off in November.

Although his presence on the campaign trail didn't help much last month in Massachusetts, Obama will stump for Reid later this month.

Pawlenty's Facebook page just announced that he "will defy President Obama's orders and go to Vegas on February 27 for the Nevada GOP dinner. Goal is to replace Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with a Senator who values the needs of Nevadans more than the partisan interests of his political party."

"Defying President Obama's orders" is a none-too-subtle jab at Obama's quip earlier this week that "you don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college."

Reid and other members of the Nevada congressional delegation were none too pleased. Obama quickly apologized.