Pawlenty hits Franken in address

NEW ORLEANS -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will use Al Franken to whoop up the crowd here at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference.

In a three-minute video set to be played, Pawlenty notes his state's historical Democratic lean, and delivers a line that is sure to draw some jeers.

"Seeing so many Republicans is certainly a nice and welcome break, coming from the land of Mondale, Humphrey, Wellstone and, now, United States Sen. Al Franken," Pawlenty says.

Pawlenty also jokes about his reason for not attending the conference in person. He stayed in Minnesota to welcome home returning troops.

"Contrary to what you might have heard, I didn’t cancel my trip to New Orleans because the Saints beat the Vikings on the way to the Super Bowl a few months ago," Pawlenty said. "Although, as I think about it, that does remain a sore spot between (Louisiana Gov.) Bobby (Jindal) and me."