Tim Pawlenty Reportedly Preparing for 2012 Presidential Run

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been quietly arranging staff for a presidential run in 2012, Politico reports, and will shortly announce the support of numerous GOP heavyweights. Pawlenty is "under the radar" in Washington but has been emerging as potentially the Republican Party's only viable alternative to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Pawlenty's campaign team, which includes veteran GOP advisers Terry Nelson, Sara Taylor and Phil Musse, represents a significant achievement for a little-known Midwestern Republican.

Pawlenty will formally open his political action committee, Freedom First, on Thursday, and is planning a high-dollar gala for it in November. He will also have a major fundraiser in Washington this month, designed as an opportunity to meet with high-level Republicans and influential donors. Pawlenty's advisers include a phalanx of new-media figures, who hope to create a savvy technology presence for the governor. His new Web site also launches Thursday.

Pawlenty Preps 2012 Campaign Team [Politico]

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