Tim Pawlenty was minding his own business running for president, signing books at an American Health Insurance conference Thursday when two women representing Reproductive Rights and CODEPINK sprinkled pink, glittery confetti on the former Minnesota governor.

Complaining that the Republican doesn't have "the courage to stand up for gay rights and women's reproductive rights," the two women opened manila folders filled with confetti and doused the man who in 2010 vetoed a Minnesota bill that would have allowed gay couples the right to the remains of their deceased partner.

"Marriage –- defined as between a man and woman –- should remain elevated in our society at a special level, as it traditionally has been," Pawlenty explained in regard to the "Final Wishes" bill that would have also given domestic partners rights to sue in wrongful death cases.

"I oppose efforts to treat domestic relationships as the equivalent of traditional marriage. Accordingly, I am opposed to this bill," the conservative said.

A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows Pawlenty is gaining awareness among American voters, but as Neil King Jr. wrote today, "the more voters get to know him, the more blah they are."