While rock acts for decades angled for a way to get on the cover of the Rolling Stone, Minnesota's governor has achieved the political equivalent.

Tim Pawlenty today is on the cover of the New York Times.

The lengthy profile landed below the fold under a four-column headline and with a photograph of the governor and his wife, Mary, standing stage right to Republican candidate John McCain during the presumptive presidential nominee's visit last month to St. Paul.

Pawlenty looks downright vice-presidential in the photo. And that's to be expected, given that the entire U.S. political universe has his name on McCain's short list for the No. 2 spot on the ticket.

As for the story, much of it is spent not only introducing readers to Pawlenty but dissecting the prospects that he'll land on the GOP ticket.

Among the positives: He's young, opposes tax increases and has evangelical credentials.

Among the negatives: He couldn't crack 50 percent in the two times he was elected governor, political scientist Steven Schief characterizes him as "smart and competent, but there's not much sizzle."

Among the story's other highlights:

• It starts with Pawlenty's naughty joke on the radio that included the punch line: "Now, if I could only get her to have sex with me."

• The Pawlentys live in "the well-off suburb of Eagan, but holds blue-collar credentials."

• Critics have pointed out his change in hairstyle -- losing the hockey mullet -- for a more conservative, acceptable style.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482