ST. PAUL, Minn. - For Republicans living in heavily blue states, crafting the right message is the key to success, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R- Minn.) told the Maryland delegation Wednesday morning.

"Please don't quit," Pawlenty said during a breakfast at the at the Embassy Suites hotel. "Persistence matters. Ideals matter. Character matters. We have the best ideas. We just need to make sure we communicate them in ways that are effective."

Pawlenty said he knows a thing or two about being a Republican in a state that sways heavily Democratic.

"We know a little bit about liberal traditions and heritage and culture, but we also know in more recent years that with the right candidate and the right messages and good ideas that Republicans can win in Minnesota," he said.

Minnesota's 39th governor praised John McCain for his ability to talk strait and shoot strait.

"He's also authentic," he said. "Here in Minnesota -- and I suspect in Maryland -- if somebody appears too fancy or too glitzy...we get a little skeptical at those folks because we're not sure if they're for real or not."

Pawlenty is currently serving his second term as governor of Minnesota. He also had his name kicked around as a potential running mate for McCain before Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) landed the No. 2 spot on the ticket.