Even before he says whether he's running for president, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proven himself to be a formidable Republican fundraiser.

According to papers to be filed this weekend with the Federal Election Commission, Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC will report that it raised $1,279,906.36 between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009, from over 2,750 donors.

The committee spent $395,831.17 during that same period, including contributions to the campaign committees for Senator-elect Scott Brown, Rob Portman, Doug Hoffman, Sen. Richard Burr and the Minnesota Republican congressional delegation.

According to Phil Musser, an adviser to the PAC, "as more people learn about the Governor, they're really impressed by his record in Minnesota, and his natural ability to connect with people."

Musser called Pawlenty "an optimistic, authentic leader with a conservative record of balancing budgets and passing innovative reforms. 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."

PACs are tools often used by politicians building toward runs for higher office. Pawlenty, who isn't seeking a third term as governor, launched his PAC in October.

Read full article here