Department of Expectations Management: Tim Pawlenty’s campaign sends along this article in the St. Petersburg Times, making sure everyone sees the phrase “Underdog Tim Pawlenty” in the headline:

The vast majority of Floridians couldn’t pick Tim Pawlenty out of a lineup. He barely registers in the polls. And there’s a decent chance he’ll have to quit the presidential race soon if he continues to show little momentum in Iowa.

And yet something curious is happening in Florida: Influential Republican leaders continue to line up behind the former Minnesota governor, even with little evidence he’s a viable contender.

“I don’t know or care if he’s got a 5 percent chance or a 50 percent chance or an 80 percent chance, what matters right now is we need people who stand up for what they believe in,’’ said state Rep. Richard Corcoran of New Port Richey, a Pawlenty supporter in line to be speaker of the Florida House.

There’s no need to fear!