Pawlenty to start PAC

Posted at 12:09 PM on September 22, 2009 by Tom Scheck

A spokesman for Gov. Pawlenty says Pawlenty will launch a federal PAC soon. The Fix first reported said that a "Save the date" e-mail has been sent out recently:

The "Freedom First" PAC is slated to hold its first official event in November, according to a save-the-date e-mail being circulated among Republican activists. The event, which includes a reception and a dinner, is scheduled for Nov. 4 at the Minneapolis Hilton. To serve as a "chair" for the fundraiser, an individual must collect $100,000 for the event while "co-chairs" are required to bring in $50,000. Individual tickets cost $5,000.

Star Tribune reporter Rachel Stassen-Berger said she broke the story.

Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant confirmed a PAC was being formed:

Governor Pawlenty is in the process of starting the "Freedom First" PAC. I expect it will launch within the next few weeks. When the Governor said he wouldn't seek re-election, he said in addition to finishing his term strong, he would help other Republicans candidates, and obviously a PAC is one key way to do that. In recent weeks, he has spoken to various groups, campaigned with various candidates, and been elected vice-chair of the Republican Governors Association. Starting a PAC is a logistical next step, and one that he has talked about on the record several times..."

For his part, Pawlenty said on Monday that he would start a PAC soon but didn't offer any greater detail.

"We are making plans for that type of entity but I will let you get that official information that's announced. It's something that we're working on."

A federal PAC is considered the next step in the process to building a viable presidential campaign. It will allow Pawlenty to travel the country and raise money for political candidates.

UPDATE: Here's the invite:

Governor Tim Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC Kick-off Event

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Minneapolis Hilton

1001 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Reception 5:30-6:30pm

$1,000/person

Dinner 6:30pm

$5,000/person or $10,000/couple

Event Committee Levels:

Event Chair:

Raise $100,000 for the event.

Two tickets to a private dessert reception with Governor Pawlenty.

20 tickets to reception.

2 tables of 10 at dinner.

Event Co-Chair:

Raise $50,000 for the event.

10 tickets to reception.

1 table of 10 at dinner.

Event Co-Host:

Raise $20,000 for the event.

4 tickets to reception.

1 table of 10 at dinner.

Individual Tickets:

$5,000/person for reception & dinner.
$1,000/person for reception only.

Checks can be made out to: Freedom First PAC and sent to P.O. Box 9190, St. Paul, MN 55109-0190

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