Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) is “seriously considering” entering the 2012 presidential race and will make a decision in the next few months, he said Sunday.

Chris Wallace, host of “Fox News Sunday,” pointed out that Pawlenty has been to Iowa seven times and to New Hampshire five times, while also hiring D.C. operatives — all indications of an interest in running.

The former governor previously said he was considering entering the race. He told Wallace on Sunday that he is evaluating what the country needs and what he can bring to it. He is also considering how a campaign would affect his family.

Earlier in the program, Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) was firm in his insistence that he will not enter the presidential race. He gave two reasons: his commitment to his state and his lack of experience.

Christie has been suggested as a strong contender against President Barack Obama, but he has repeatedly rejected the suggestion.

“I’ve been governor for a year. New Jersey’s problems are not fixed. We have a lot of hard work to do. … And secondly, you’ve got to believe in your heart that you’re personally ready to be president, and I’m not there,” he said.

Christie added: “I think that every year you have as a governor, an executive position in a big state like New Jersey, would make you better prepared to be president. … I am not arrogant enough to believe that after one year as governor of New Jersey and seven years as the United States attorney that I am ready to be president of the United States, so I’m not going to run.”