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CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is widely believed to be considering a presidential bid in 2012, will be the keynote speaker at a New Hampshire Republican event next month.

Pawlenty is scheduled to address the Republican Senate Majority Committee PAC fund-raiser on Dec. 16 in Concord.

Since announcing last June that he would step down at the end of his second term next year, the 48-year-old Pawlenty has set up a political action committee, assembled an experienced team of political strategists and has spoken out on several national issues.

Pawlenty has visited New Hampshire twice campaigning for John McCain.

Last weekend, Pawlenty spoke at a Republican fund-raiser in Des Moines, Iowa, the state that hosts the first presidential caucuses.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-11-09 1421CST | save this article / add to your favorites list