Gov. Tim Pawlenty Thursday night said, when asked, that he could handle a presidential run concurrently with an overtime term.

The exchange with Fox's Greta Von Susteren:

VAN SUSTEREN: And it could be very confusing if one hypothetically on January 4th expects not be the governor but to be running for president of the United States suddenly finds himself or herself still holding onto having some responsibilities back home. I mean, makes it sort of -- sort of difficult, does it not, sir?

PAWLENTY: No, I've been doing this for eight years. I don't want to say the job is easy, but I think we've got a handle on it pretty well. So if that were to come to pass, I think we could easily fulfill the duties.

The governor had planned to go on a book tour in January to promote his bio-tome, "A Courage to Stand," which is due out on January 11. But that plan may be altered if the achingly close governor's race between Democrat Mark Dayton and Republican Tom Emmer goes to court after a recount. If a court fight lasts past Jan. 3 -- Pawlenty's scheduled quitting time -- the constitution says he would stay in office until his replacement is readied.

Pawlenty, who was on the show to talk about his latest challenge to health care, also said he hopes his term won't spill over:

"Under the Minnesota constitution, if the recount continues -- and I hope it doesn't. I think people want to see their new governor take the seat at the right time, the normal time. But in the case that it doesn't and it drags on, under the constitution, I'm required and obligated to continue to serve, and I'll fulfill those duties after January 3rd. I hope that doesn't happen....That's not in anybody's best interests. We had an election. The person should take their seat. But election integrity is really important. And in the event something untoward is discovered in the recount process, then we have to get to the bottom of it. That's most important. I sure hope that can get resolved before January 3rd. It's not in anybody's best interests to have hold-over politicians."