Tim Pawlenty

MANCHESTER-- Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) said that he was "glad" John McCain participated in the first presidential debate.

Days before the debate McCain suspended his campaign and said he would not attend the debate until a compromise was reached on a financial bailout package. McCain though announced Friday afternoon that he would attend the debate in Mississippi.

Pawlenty, who was often mentioned as a possible vice-presidential candidate, was in New Hampshire to attend a Republican unity dinner and presidential debate watch party.

Barack Obama's New Hampshire campaign will be hosting 70 debate watch parties Friday night, and two of them will have special guests.

The Manchester Watch Party will be attended by John Hutson. Hutson, Dean of the Franklin Pierce Law Center, gained prominence in August when he spoke at the Democratic National Convention. He is also a co-chair of Former McCain Supporters for Obama and a member of New Hampshire Veterans for Obama.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) will visit New Hampshire in late September, PolitickerNH.com has learned.

Pawlenty is scheduled to attend a unity dinner and debate watch party being sponsored by the New Hampshire Republican Party on September 28.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- For New Hampshire Republicans and political junkies alike there are options on the television set tonight. Two Republican Congressional debates or the Republican National Convention. Which will you watch?