Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, one of the early front runners for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, raised nearly $1.3 million for his political action committee in the final three months of 2009 from more than 2,750 donors, according to papers to be filed with the Federal Election Commission this weekend.

The figures, impressive in the early going for the 2012 nomination, highlights the organizational strength of Pawlenty's political action committee, "Freedom First."

"As more people learn about the governor, they're really impressed by his record in Minnesota and his natural ability to connect with people," said Phil Musser, a senior adviser to the committee.

"He's an optimistic, authentic leader with a conservative record of balancing budgets and passing innovative reforms," he said. "The PAC is off to a solid start and we look forward to playing a big role in the ideas debate and in supporting the next generation of Republican leaders."

The committee spent nearly $400,000 during that period, including contributions to the campaign committees for Senator-elect Scott Brown, Rob Portman, Doug Hoffman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. and the Minnesota Congressional delegation.

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