Gov. Tim Pawlenty has turned down Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's invitation to watch the Vikings beat* the Saints in the "governor's box" Sunday at the Superdome.

Pawlenty's busy, according to Brian McClung, the guv's deputy chief of staff, who shot me an e-mail after I left him a phone message.

"Gov. Pawlenty appreciated Gov. Jindal's offer to join him... in New Orleans," wrote McClung. "The Governor has family obligations here in Minnesota over the weekend and isn't able to attend the game. To be clear, had he gone, Gov. Pawlenty would've paid for his own expenses and ticket to the game. Gov. Pawlenty does plan to watch the game on TV and is confident that the Vikings will be Super Bowl-bound.

"Earlier in the week, Gov. Jindal said he wasn't planning to attend the game because he hadn't been to one yet this year and he's worried that he might jinx the Saints if he's at the Superdome. We don't think there's a need for any superstition -- the Vikings are going to win with or without any help of a jinx."

*Of course, Jindal didn't put it this way while extending his invitation to Pawlenty. "Vikings beat the Saints" is my smart alecky phrase. I'm starting to feel the over-confidence.

Why is the NFL even bothering to play this NFC Championship Game?

Sorry, Darren Sharper, but your new team's GOING DOWN, even though the Vikings were wrong to think you'd lost a step and you're laying savage hits on opponents when you are not busy intercepting balls. You might as well return to regular Twittering, which you've diminished in preparation for the game.

Tom Zenner is publisher of "Purple Reign: Brett Favre's incredible journey to Minnesota..." It's a collection of Star Tribune articles and photos, reprinted with permission, in a deal that shares profits with the Strib, according to Zenner.

"Vikings fans, just enjoy this ride," Zenner told me while at FOX 9 today. "C.J., you were telling me you're even nervous. Don't be nervous. They have the magic man, Brett Favre. It's all going to work out fine on Sunday. [Pause.] I hope."

C.J. is at 612.332.TIPS or cj@startribune.com. E-mailers, please state a subject -- "Hello" doesn't count. Attachments are not opened, so don't even try. More of her attitude can be seen on FOX 9 Thursday mornings.