Pawlenty seeks support for possible presidential bid

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ST. PAUL - Roll Call newspaper reports that U.S. Reps. John Kline and Erik Paulsen, both Minnesota Republicans, are seeking Capitol Hill support for former Gov. Tim Pawlenty as he prepares to run for president.

Reporter David M. Drucker writes: “Likely Republican presidential candidates Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney are quietly but aggressively wooing members of Congress for endorsements and political support in campaigns that have yet to officially take flight.”

“I’ve been trying to make connections and offer opportunities to my friend, Tim,” Paulsen said. “I really want to do whatever I can to help him. Part of that is introducing him to people.”

Pawlenty donated to several congressional campaigns last fall, which observers say was designed to attract backers to his campaign.

The ex-GOP governor has not said he will run, but he says he is leaning that way. Expect an announcement in March or April.

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