PORTAGE (WKZO) -- After touring through Michigan spreading the message to “strengthen the middle class”, the former Governor of Minnesota is heading off to Mitt Romney’s neighborhood visiting New Hampshire on a series of speaking engagements.

Pawlenty has been emphasizing the importance of energy independence that, he says, would in turn kick start the sluggish economy creating jobs nationwide. Watch above for comments from Pawlenty and Congressman Fred Upton on their stop at the Kalamazoo County Victory Center in Portage Wednesday.

The number one question asked of Pawlenty by reporters has been about his obvious frontrunner status as the VP pick for the Romney ticket. Pawlenty has declined all questions on becoming Romney’s running mate remarking, at a stop in Jackson, that “We’ll know soon enough.”