GOP's Pawlenty Has Date With Tea Party Summit
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Republican Tim Pawlenty's attempt to build his stature among tea party voters takes him to a summit in Arizona next week.
The former Minnesota governor and probable 2012 presidential candidate will be a featured speaker at the Tea Party Patriots' American Policy Summit in Phoenix. The group bills itself as the movement's largest grassroots organization.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul is also listed as a speaker.
The tea party was a force in the 2010 elections, helping topple Democrats and Republicans seen as moderate. The movement is built around principles of limited government, free markets and fiscal responsibility.
Pawlenty isn't the only Minnesota politician considering a 2012 bid. Rep. Michele Bachmann, a tea party favorite, is also exploring a presidential campaign.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
