Calling Pawlenty the next day did not reach the governor, but his voicemail, which said, “Hi, you’ve reached Tim.”

He soon texted back: “Shush, yes Mitt called last Monday.”

He had known the entire week that he wouldn’t be picked, after all.

“Pleasure to get to know you and I wish u all the best as your career moves forward,” he wrote. “Hope you enjoyed MN. TP,” read the rest of the text from the nicest man in politics.

I wrote back thanking him for the text and how easy he was despite the constant trailing and endless questions. He wrote back, “Thx much and go get some scoops!”

I assured him that I would try and if he ever had any, he knew where to find me, and it wouldn’t be in his driveway.