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Pawlenty signs deal with speakers bureau

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed on with a firm to arrange his speaking appearances next year after he leaves office.

The company, Leading Authorities, announced today an exclusive deal to represent Pawlenty. The Republican governor is widely viewed as a possible presidential candidate in 2012.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to hear directly from one of the nation's most respected governors and a leading voice in the Republican Party," said Mark French, president of Leading Authorities, in a news release.

On its web site, Leading Authorities highlights several clients, including retired Gen. Stanley

McChrystal, Rev. Al Sharpton and former Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott.