Associated Press 

MINNEAPOLIS -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty told hometown donors to his new national political action committee Wednesday night that they're helping driving a Republican resurgence.

"We have a great country that's been built on some tremendous values and principles, but we're adrift and we need to launch this comeback," Pawlenty said.

A few hundred GOP activists, lobbyists and other supporters showed up at a Minneapolis fundraiser for the governor's Freedom First PAC, with attendees paying $1,000 to $5,000 each to attend. Special perks were offered to people who bundled $20,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in contributions.

A spokesman for the PAC said 300 people attended, but not all of them were contributors. Actors Jon Voight and John Ratzenberger were among those present.

The outgoing Minnesota governor formed the national fundraising committee in October. He can use it to aid GOP candidates in upcoming elections as well as pay for his own travel.

Past presidential candidates have started such committees to raise their profile ahead of a White House run, and Pawlenty hasn't ruled out a 2012 campaign.

Pawlenty travels Saturday to Iowa, a traditional presidential proving ground.

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