WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty remained unswayed today by a letter that DNC Chairman Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia sent him yesterday urging that he ask former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman to concede or sign Democrat Al Franken’s election certificate if the state Supreme Court rules in his favor.

In his own letter to Kaine, Minnesota’s Republican governor politely thanked Kaine for his letter, and then in equally polite language essentially told him to buzz off.

“Your letter described what you think should occur ‘if... this case is heard and decided by the Minnesota Supreme Court.’” Pawlenty wrote. “I am sure you are aware that the case is indeed being heard by the Court. On May 15, final briefs were filed and the Court is hearing oral arguments on June 1.

“In your letter, you asked that I commit to signing an election certificate ‘as soon as the Court issues a ruling.’ As a fellow Governor and attorney, I am sure you can appreciate that such a commitment would be premature. For example, the Minnesota Supreme Court might remand the case to the three judge panel and ask them to consider various issues that were raised in the election contest. Under such a circumstance, Minnesota law would prohibit the issuance of an election certificate, as a state court process would still be ongoing.”

Then Pawlenty repeated that “Again, be assured I will follow the law and the direction of the courts in this matter.”

Go here (PDF) to read the full text of the letter.