On Friday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is preparing for a possible 2012 presidential run, said he'd lend support to six more federal candidates.
Although many prominent Republicans -- including possible rivals for 2012 -- have shared their strength with Florida Republican U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio over Gov. Charlie Crist, Pawlenty's nod has thus far been absent in that race.
Here are the candidates Pawlenty added to his list Friday and his "contest" for his nod:
Joe Heck, running for Congress in Nevada's 3rd District
Adam Kinzinger, running for Congress in Illinois' 11th District.
Steve Chabot, running for Congress in Ohio's 1st District.
Mick Mulvaney, running for Congress in South Carolina's 5th District.
Mark Kirk, running for U.S. Senate in Illinois.
Tom Coburn, running for U.S. Senate in Oklahoma.
In keeping with the PAC's grassroots approach, supporters are encouraged to vote for their favorite candidate on TimPawlenty.com. Prizes for the winner of this first-of-its kind online contest will include:
Co-Hosting a Facebook town hall with Governor Pawlenty
An email on behalf of the winning candidate to the Freedom First PAC list
An Online Matching Contest where Freedom First PAC will match every dollar donated by individuals through the PAC up to the $5,000 limit.
The Freedom First PAC will continue to endorse candidates in coming weeks based on nominations and suggestions from Facebook friends and other PAC supporters. Supporters are asked to submit their nominations online at TimPawlenty.com.
