PRESS RELEASE from
Freedom First PAC
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
October 1, 2009
|
CONTACT: Alex Conant |
Tim Pawlenty Announces
“Freedom First” PAC
PAC’s Leadership
Team Includes Experienced, Respected, Diverse Talent
ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Seeking
to help elect conservatives in 2009 and 2010, Tim Pawlenty today filed forms with
the Federal Election Commission to create the Freedom First political
action committee. The new federal PAC will offer financial support to
candidates committed to putting freedom before government, and provide
organizational support for Pawlenty to promote his innovative,
conservative message. The new PAC will have an unprecedented approach
to citizen engagement, and features a website at www.TimPawlenty.com, where
supporters can add their voice to Pawlenty’s message.
“Right now, our freedoms are being challenged on many fronts,” Pawlenty
said. “This organization is dedicated to putting freedom first again in
America. By helping candidates and translating our ideas into policies
that everyone can relate to and support, we can turn back the growth of
Washington and renew the promise of freedom.”
Freedom First PAC will be co-chaired by William H. Strong, the Vice Chairman
of Morgan Stanley, and the Honorable Vin
Weber, former Minnesota congressman, and partner at Clark and
Weinstock.
“Tim is an authentic leader with a record of results,” Strong said.
“I’m excited to work with him to elect great candidates across the
country. His record of fiscal conservatism in Minnesota makes him a
credible voice on the issues facing our country.”
“There’s a big debate about the role of government and personal freedom
raging at the moment, and I’m excited to help promote fresh new ideas,
and new leaders.” Weber said. “Given Tim’s successful record in
Minnesota, he’s in a unique position to harness that energy and help
other candidates.”
The PAC’s first Minnesota fundraiser will be held on November 4 in
Minneapolis and will be anchored by a diverse and distinguished group
of Minnesotans who will serve as the Freedom First PAC Minnesota
Co-Chairs. They include:
Al & Cathy Annexstad,
Shorewood, Minnesota
Bill Cooper, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer, TCF Financial Corporation, and
former Chairman of Republican Party of Minnesota.
Mark Davis, Chairman,
Cambria
Megan Doyle, Founder, Hope for
the City
Jeff Larson, Former CEO, 2008
MSP Host Committee and Partner, FLS Connect.
Susan Marvin, President, Marvin
Windows
Tim Owens, CEO, Voyager Bank
Tom Stauber, President &
owner, Edwards Sales
Bob Ulrich, Former CEO, Target
Providing management, strategic and political planning will be a cadre
of campaign veterans serving as senior advisors, including Phil Musser, President of New
Frontier Strategy and former executive director of the Republican
Governors Association; Terry Nelson,
Partner,
Mercury Public Affairs and former RNC and Bush-Cheney 2004
political director; and Sara Taylor,
President
of BlueFront Strategies and former White House political
director. Former FEC Chairman Michael
Toner of Bryan Cave, LLP will serve as the PAC’s counsel.
The PAC’s communication director will be Alex Conant. A Minnesota native,
Conant most recently served as the Republican National Committee’s
national press secretary and senior advisor. Online strategy and
outreach will be led by Patrick
Ruffini and Mindy Finn
of Engage. Ruffini previously headed the RNC’s online department as
well as working with the Giuliani Presidential campaign and Finn
oversaw Mitt Romney’s online strategy during his 2008 presidential
campaign. Liz Mair and Patrick Hynes of Hynes
Communications will handle online communications outreach. Hynes served
as blog outreach consultant for John McCain’s 2008 Presidential
campaign, and Mair served as the RNC’s online communications director
during 2008.
The Minnesota Finance Director will be Trisha
Hamm, who was previously the political director for Pawlenty’s
gubernatorial campaign. Annie Kelly,
who
formerly served as the deputy campaign manager for Pawlenty’s
campaign in 2006, will be responsible for PAC operations, and Don Stiles will serve as Treasurer.
The Freedom First PAC is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and can be
reached at 651-777-3314 or PO Box 9190, St. Paul, MN 55109.
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