Pawlenty winding down PAC?

Posted at 3:38 PM on January 28, 2011 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Tim Pawlenty

From the AP:

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republican Tim Pawlenty's political action committee spent most of its money last year and has a low cash balance that could signal the possible presidential candidate is ready to wind it down.

A filing Friday with federal regulators shows the Freedom First PAC spent more than $2.8 million in 2010. It had $155,000 remaining as 2011 began.

The former Minnesota governor launched the PAC in 2009 to cover costs of political travel and distribute checks to GOP candidates.

A presidential bid would require him to set up a separate candidate account.

Pawlenty is part way through a book tour. He expects to make a decision on a presidential run around March.

Another potential 2012 candidate, Alaska's Sarah Palin, ended 2010 with more than $1.3 million in her PAC account.

And this from Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant:

"In 2010, Gov. Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC helped elect a new conservative majority in Congress and a next generation of conservative leaders in states across the country. We were able to donate directly to over 200 candidates thanks to the support of thousands of contributors across the country. After a great Election Day, we gave our donors a break."

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