2 Minnesotans Too Many For 2012 Presidential Race?

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Possible White House ambitions are tugging at two Minnesota Republicans, creating complications for both.

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty has long been sizing up a presidential run. Now Rep. Michele Bachmann is doing likewise.

They appeal to different segments of the GOP and are far from alone in the 2012 mix. But some doubt there's room for a Minnesota duo to stay viable very long.

Former Iowa GOP executive director Chuck Laudner says Pawlenty and Bachmann will inevitably be compared and the one who trails will find it tough to press on.

Minnesota party leaders and donors could be reluctant to get involved with both in play, leaving the impression of lukewarm home-state support.

Pawlenty and Bachmann have stayed out of each other's way in their rises to Republican prominence.