Minnesota’s House Republican delegation will headline a fundraiser for Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s new political action committee Thursday night at a Capitol Hill restaurant.

Reps. John Kline, Michele Bachmann, Erik Paulsen and former Rep. Vin Weber will join a host committee of more than 70 current Hill staff and D.C. professionals for the “T-Paw Pretzels and Pints— event at Capitol City Brewing Co.

Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant said they are expecting a “couple hundred— people to attend the event.

Following the fundraiser, two Pawlenty supporters will hold a dinner for the governor at their house at $5,000 a head.

Pawlenty’s decision to create his Freedom First PAC as well as his recent stops in key battleground states have fueled speculation that he will eventually throw his hat in the ring for the 2012 presidential race.