ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Tim Pawlenty's face is about to take its place on Minnesota's Capitol walls.

The former Republican governor's portrait will take its place Tuesday after an invitation-only unveiling Monday night.

It will be one of 38 such portraits to hang in the state Capitol where he served eight years as governor after a decade as a House member. Atlanta-based artist Ross R. Rossin, a Bulgarian native, was announced last year as the painter.

The portrait unveiling leads off Pawlenty's most visible week since leaving the presidential race in August.

He'll appear on Minnesota Public Radio on Tuesday for his first extensive, post-race interview in his home state. On Sunday, he'll appear on "Meet The Press" to vouch for the candidacy of former opponent Mitt Romney.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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