ST. PAUL — Republican Tim Pawlenty’s political action committee spent most of its money last year and has a low cash balance that could signal the possible presidential candidate is ready to wind it down.

A filing Friday with federal regulators shows the Freedom First PAC spent more than $2.8 million in 2010. It had $155,000 remaining as 2011 began.

The former Minnesota governor launched the PAC in 2009 to cover costs of political travel and distribute checks to GOP candidates. A presidential bid would require him to set up a separate candidate account.

Pawlenty is part way through a book tour. He expects to make a decision on a presidential run around March.

Another potential 2012 candidate, Alaska’s Sarah Palin, ended 2010 with more than $1.3 million in her PAC account.