ST. PAUL — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he is prepared to extend his term as governor if a recount in the race to replace him drags into the new year.

The two-term Republican told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he won’t resign or otherwise step away from his post until a successor is known.

Pawlenty says that “any of my personal plans or concerns are secondary” to fulfilling his constitutional obligation to remain governor while the process plays out.

Pawlenty was due to leave office in early January and will release a book soon after. He has said he’ll decide on a possible presidential run by March.

As it stood Wednesday morning, Democrat Mark Dayton’s unofficial lead over Republican Tom Emmer was within the bounds of a mandatory statewide recount.