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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Republican Party was the biggest user of a campaign program he axed that gives donors tax refunds for part of their contributions.

A report from state campaign finance regulators Friday showed that donors to the Minnesota Republican Party and local GOP units claimed almost $2.9 million in refunds in 2008. That's almost three-fourths of the $4 million given back to 64,000 donors to all political parties.

The political contribution refund program gives $50 back to campaign donors if they give at least that much. Pawlenty suspended the program this summer as part of unilaterally imposed budget cuts.

Givers to Minnesota Democratic Party units accessed $1.1 million in refunds. The Independence and Green parties had much smaller participation.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-20-09 1125CST | save this article / add to your favorites list