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Pawlenty Launches PAC

Committee seen as another sign of upcoming presidential run

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2009 2:41 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Tim Pawlenty is taking yet another step toward a presidential run by launching a political action committee, the Washington Post reports. The PAC, dubbed “Freedom First,” will allow Pawlenty to travel the country, build a national network, and donate funds to state and federal candidates. Its first event will be a November fundraiser in Minneapolis, with tickets going for $5,000 apiece.

The Minnesota governor has been making the rounds of late, with stops in key states such as Florida and Ohio and at the Value Voters Summit in Washington, where he delivered a well received speech. But he's got some catch-up to do on the PAC front: Mitt Romney has brought in $2.3 million for his so far this year and finished August with $811,000 in the bank. That's ahead of Sarah Palin ($732,000) and Mike Huckabee ($305,000).

Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota takes part in a session in Miami on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, of the annual Republican Governors Association Conference.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota takes part in a session in Miami on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, of the annual Republican Governors Association Conference.   (AP Photo John Watson-Riley)
In this March 3, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty answers questions during a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.
In this March 3, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty answers questions during a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP/Photo Craig Lassig, FILE)
In this Friday, June 26, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty greets reporters before speaking at a Republican Party of Arkansas fund raising dinner in Little Rock, Ark.
In this Friday, June 26, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty greets reporters before speaking at a Republican Party of Arkansas fund raising dinner in Little Rock, Ark.   (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Forderon
Sep 24, 2009 4:23 AM CDT
Another faux-patriotic name for a PAC
Shannonals
Sep 24, 2009 1:26 AM CDT
Tim Pawlenty needs to cease flying around the country and get back in Minnesota and run this state. Palin, Romney & Huckabee don't have the responsibilites of Pawlenty, so Pawlenty trying to play catch-up makes no sense. He needs to get back here and fix these highways
proud_prude
Sep 23, 2009 12:18 PM CDT
lol

 
Minnesota • Tim Pawlenty • political action committees • Election 2012

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