Political friends and foes have watched to see whether Gov. Tim Pawlenty accepts $263 million in federal health care money earmarked for the state. Now it appears Pawlenty is leaning toward accepting the one-time federal windfall. The Republican governor is in a bit of a pickle on this one. He's eyeing a run for president and making a national name for himself as a crusading critic of big government spending. On the other hand, he risks turning down money slated for low-income and elderly Medicaid patients and health care companies. "I am open to taking it, but I haven't made a final decision," Pawlenty said Thursday at a news conference. His argument is that Minnesotans historically send far more money to Washington than they get back. So when there's a chance to get a little back, take it. "Not withstanding my concerns about federal spending and federal policy, Minnesota deserves to have its share of a program like that because we're paying more than our share," Pawlenty said. Pawlenty said he's still exploring the conditions for accepting the money, which will arrive after he leaves office. "We want to make sure we don't do anything to unwisely tie the hands of the next governor," Pawlenty said. Top DFL lawmakers and DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton have publicly urged Pawlenty to take the money. The state faces an estimated $6 billion deficit in coming years and budget officials are looking at taking the unusual step of borrowing money from private lenders to pay bills during months when revenue lags. Pawlenty has until Sept. 24 to make a decision on the federal money.