Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has established political action committees in Iowa and New Hampshire — two key states in the 2012 presidential race.
The move is sure to fuel speculation that Pawlenty is trying to pave the way for a presidential run in 2012. His spokesman, however, insisted that the PACs are all about 2010.
“These state PACs will allow Tim Pawlenty and his supporters to better help local candidates in the critical 2010 elections,” said spokesman Alex Conant. “Both states trended towards the Democrats in recent years, but hold great opportunities for conservative candidates this fall.”