Tim Pawlenty Buys New Friends in New Hampshire

If you are a famous politician who is planning to run for president in 2012, why not use your star power to raise money and make new friends in New Hampshire? That's what Tim Pawlenty is doing.

Tickets to an 8:00 AM breakfast with Pawlenty at the Villa Blanca Restaurant in Nashua cost $75. If you have any money left after the tip, head over to the Nickerson House in Windham for a reception with T-Paw - recommended donation $1,000.

Last week, Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC endorsed more than 40 Republican candidates in New Hampshire. Each one took home a little petty cash as a prize. Among them are some of the most recognizable names in the New Hampshire Republican Party.


Receiving $5,000:

John Stephen - Candidate for Governor, ran for congress in 2006

Kelly Ayotte - U.S. Senate Candidate, former Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire

Frank Guinta - 1st Congressional District Candidate, former mayor of Manchester

Charlie Bass - 2nd Congressional District Candidate, former Congressman

Receiving $250:

Jeb Bradley - State Rep, former Congressman

Don't worry though, Pawlenty isn't just trying to earn brownie points at the top of the political ladder. He's aiming at the grassroots too, endorsing a total of seven candidates for sheriff in the Granite State and donating $250 to each of their campaigns.

Tim Pawlenty doing his best "commander in chief" act. 

The flannel will play well in New Hampshire!