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GOP's Pawlenty Speaks At Ohio Pancake Breakfast

SHARONVILLE, Ohio (AP) -- Republican Tim Pawlenty says if he runs for president in 2012, his theme would be restoring the country's prosperity by restoring common sense.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the former Minnesota governor spoke Saturday to a group of more than 400 Republicans at a pancake breakfast in suburban Cincinnati. He's been promoting his book, "Courage to Stand," and building support for a likely presidential bid.

Pawlenty touted his record of winning the votes of Democrats and independents and reminded the breakfast group that he won Minnesota, which he called "one of the deepest blue states in the country."

U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio joined Pawlenty at the breakfast and said while he's not endorsing anyone, he hopes Pawlenty runs for president.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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