Who didn't play hooky to see Barack Obama?

As noted previously, three governors in town for a training session at the Hunt Institute for Educational Leadership showed up at an Obama event Monday: Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana, Gov. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and former Gov. Roy Romer of Colorado.

Though they were on the guest list, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley did not show.

They had a good reason, of course. The Hunt Institute had scheduled discussions on education all day Monday in Chapel Hill, and seeing Obama meant making a 40-minute drive to Raleigh and missing a healthy chunk of the three-day session.

But it's worth noting who else didn't make the drive: Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Guam Gov. Felix Perez Camacho.

Camacho and Pawlenty have a good excuse: They're Republicans.

For their part, Sebelius, Napolitano and Kaine may not have wanted to fuel further speculation that they'll be picked as Obama's vice president (though that didn't stop Schweitzer from glad-handing.) And Doyle and Sebelius have already done their duties here.

Update: Sebelius and Napolitano were at an Obama fundraiser in Chapel Hill. 

Dome has learned more details of Tim Pawlenty's visit.

The Republican governor of Minnesota came for private meeting with U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes on Friday, then held a fundraiser lunch with him in Concord.

Afterward, he met with U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, then held a fundraiser and reception with him at a private home in Mooresville.

McHenry said in a statement that he appreciated the help.

"Governor Pawlenty has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most effective leaders in America, and is a rising star in national politics," he said. "Anyone who appreciates good government grounded in fiscal discipline can appreciate his strong record as governor, and I appreciate his trip to North Carolina to support my campaign."

One of the top tier of John McCain's potential vice presidential picks was in town last week.

Tim Pawlenty, the Republican governor of Minnesota, came to North Carolina to raise money for U.S. Reps. Robin Hayes and Patrick McHenry.

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza says the trip is part of a not-so-subtle effort to raise his profile as McCain makes his decision. 

Hayes and McHenry are among the more conservative members of North Carolina's delegation, and both face competitive races this fall.

Hayes has a rematch with Biscoe schoolteacher Larry Kissell. After winning a Republican primary, McHenry faces Hickory attorney Daniel Johnson.