Last week we noted that Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) planned to announce his future political plans "this summer." His timeframe appears to have sped up, with his office planning a press conference at 2 pm local time.

WCCO-TV reports that Pawlenty will not seek a third term. The decision is sure to trigger speculation that the "hockey dad" will focus his energies on a 2012 presidential bid. It may also ratchet up pressure on Pawlenty, who will eventually have to sign a certification of election in the contested Minnesota Senate race.

Contenders had also been already lining up to seek the governorship. An open seat contest would give Democrats a strong chance of reclaiming the governorship in the blue North Star State for the first time in 20 years.

UPDATE: Here's an interview I conducted with Gov. Pawlenty last summer, when he was believed to be high on John McCain's short list for the VP nomination.