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Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty says New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's 

 to back Mitt Romney's presidential campaign is a huge boost to Romney's campaign.

"He's one of the stars of the conservative movement and Republican party," Pawlenty of Christie.  "His endorsement will carry a lot of weight, no pun intended," Pawlenty joked referring to Christie's weight.  (He said that Christie would enjoy the joke)

Pawlenty said he also encouraged Christie to back Romney's campaign.

"It's probably the most valuable endorsement in the country," Pawlenty said.  "For Gov. Romney to get Chris Christie's endorsement is a major boost to his campaign and will send a signal across the conservative spectrum; tea party types, fiscal conservatives and others, that it's time to consolidate around Gov. Romney."

Pawlenty, who endorsed Romney last month, also said on MPR's Midday program that he believes GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is qualified to be president.  In a wide ranging interview, Pawlenty discussed his failed run for president, the state of politics and his political future.  He said he won't challenge DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2012 but isn't ruling anything else out, although he added it's "highly unlikely" he will run for president again.

You can also listen to Pawlenty's q and a with reporters here:

Pawlenty: Romney will get big boost from Christie nod

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