EXCERPTS: Tim Pawlenty's 'Courage to Stand'

Jan. 11, 2011— -- In his new autobiography, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty reflects on his evolving political and personal life, from his humble upbringing in St. Paul, Minn., to the governor's mansion.

An evangelical Christian and a booming voice for the Republican party, Pawlenty has said several times he is strongly considering a presidential bid in 2012.

Read excerpts from his book, "Courage to Stand: An American Story," below:

Pawlenty on preparing materials for the vice presidential vetting process in 2008:

"It was kind of comical at times -- the Governor and First Lady in the middle of the night organizing stacks of paper now strewn all over the computer-room floor, trying to make tabs and get it all in the right place, checking to see if the three-hole punch worked and then running out to Kinko's for photocopies."

Pawlenty reflecting on McCain's choice of then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his 2008 running mate:

"Sarah Palin has become a force of nature in the Republican Party. She inspires people in the conservative cause. She exudes enthusiasm, and that energy is the fuel of grassroots politics. We need that kind of energy and fuel from people all over this country if we want a shot at setting America back on course. While some might still debate McCain's selection, the undeniable truth is that it took courage to stand up to the critics, the pundits, and the expectations of the media and the Washington establishment and choose Sarah Palin in the first place."

Pawlenty on the intersection of faith and politics:

"People often ask how I reconcile my faith life and my public life and to what extent my Christian faith influences my decision making. For any public leader -- or a leader in any arena, for that matter -- our upbringing, life experiences, values and beliefs inevitably influence who we are and how we approach the decisions before us. Faith is part of my experience, and it is the cornerstone of my value system. It is part of who I am and how I think."