Mitt Romney, 2008 presidential candidate and possible 2012 presidential candidate, said Gov. Tim Pawlenty was a "great governor" and a "great friend" Monday night -- but wouldn't pre-judge if he would make a great president.

"Great friend, wonderful guy," Romney said after a Bloomington rally. Asked about Pawlenty's 2012 prospects, Romney said: "We will all find out down the road. I don't think any one has made any decisions like that yet."

Pawlenty has said he planned to attend Romney's fundraiser for Republican Tom Emmer but he didn't show up at that, nor did he attend a later rally with the former Massachusetts governor.

(Update) Pawlenty was a supporter of Republican Sen. John McCain over Romney in the 2008 presidential caucuses and beyond.

Emmer said he initially was a supporter of Fred Thompson in the 2008 race. Thompson dropped out before the 2008 Minnesota caucus.

"I don't remember what I ended up doing," Emmer said. "All I'm saying now is I like them all."