Using Facebook, GOP Upstart Tim Pawlenty Announces Presidential Bid Exploration After Months of Preparation
By
Eric Chiu on March 21, 2011 3:53 PM
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Republican Tim Pawlenty, the former two-term governor of Minnesota, has decided to explore a run for the U.S. presidency.
Affectionately known as T-Paw by his fans, Pawlenty declared his intentions in a video on Facebook.
"There is a brighter future for America
We the people of the United States will take back our government," Pawlenty said. "Today, I'm announcing the formation of an exploratory committee to run for president of the United States."
"Join the team," he added, "and together, we'll restore America."
Since his second term as governor expired in January, Pawlenty has remained an active political player and has long been telegraphing signals about a potential run for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
Pawlenty has recently visited major election-year states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and Ohio. In January, he released a new book, entitled
Courage to Stand, and spent most of the month on a
promotional book tour. He has also been a frequent participant in the pre-election news cycle, grabbing headlines by criticizing the White House and discussing his potential competitors.
When it comes to financial backing, Pawlenty's star has been on the rise, and he stands at the upper end of prospective Republican presidential candidates.
Pawlenty's leadership PAC --
Freedom First PAC -- raised about $3.3 million during the 2010 election cycle. This ranks his operation as the No. 5 most prolific leadership PACs in terms of receipts during the 2010 election cycle, as
OpenSecrets Blog previously reported.
Much of this financial backing went toward supporting Republican candidates at the national level.