SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

For example, the political action committee for Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate, shelled out more than $50,000 for policy advice in the second half of 2009, Politico reported Thursday. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's PACs spent about $97,000 combined on fundraising lists. Ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's committee donated $17,500 to New Hampshire politicians and causes.

Politico said an examination of finance reports covering the second half of 2009 indicated the groups not only worked to bump their candidates' viability as White House hopefuls, but also to build political operations that could launch their campaigns.

Jason Torchinsky, a Republican campaign finance lawyer, told Politico almost anyone considering entering the 2012 presidential race should already have some type of political non-profit.

"Over the last 20 years, this has become the pattern for people thinking about running for president", Torchinsky said. "It certainly makes things easier if they decide to become a candidate later this year or early next year, because they will have built a donor list and relationships with local officials and party activists, as well as consultants."

 BREAKING STORIES

Audit: Nuclear glitches at Air Force bases

Sri Lanka general refutes charges

Pentagon gets goal of more assault reports

Thousands of Hmong protest criminal case

Special forces now report to McChrystal

Florida development in lawsuit crossfire

DNC getting cash minus big donors

Opposition parties pick up Russian seats

Iraqi leader denies assassination attempt

Number error led to British sub accident

Hunter says she, Edwards love one another

Sarkozy's party second in elections voting

NATO urged to increase Afghan checkpoints

Many U.S. weapons end up with Taliban

Two Thai soldiers hurt in grenade attack

U.S. Navy building family readiness

Private contractors used to hunt militants

Clyburn: Dems short of healthcare votes

Cadets honor 155-mile march in Texas

Detroit clamping down on employee scents