ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Pawlenty lights his last Christmas tree at the governor’s mansion on Monday.

The Republican governor’s second term ends in January, unless a court case over the undecided governor’s race keeps him in office longer.

Pawlenty has become a potential 2012 presidential candidate after declining to seek a third term as governor.

He and first lady Mary Pawlenty are set to flip the switch on 4,000 lights on a 30-foot white spruce from the Chengwatana State Forest near Pine City. The tree stands in front of the official residence on Summit Avenue in St. Paul.

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