Pawlenty to host $5,000-a-plate PAC fundraising dinner

St. Paul, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will raise money for his new national fundraising committee later this month in Washington.

Pawlenty's Freedom First political action committee is holding a "pretzels and pints" reception followed by a $5,000-a-plate dinner on Oct. 22, according to the invitation.

The two-term Republican governor formed the committee on Thursday, in a move past presidential candidates have made as they built up to full-fledged campaigns. Pawlenty hasn't ruled out running for president in 2012.

Donors who give at least $50 can get into the reception at a restaurant and have a photo taken with Pawlenty. Entry is half off for Capitol Hill staffers.

The "leadership dinner" at a private home requires contributors to give or raise at least $5,000 apiece.