Tim Pawlenty is running for president according to an aide

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is running for the GOP presidential nomination and will announce his bid Monday in Iowa.

That's according to an adviser with direct knowledge of the plans. The adviser tells The Associated Press Pawlenty will declare his candidacy at a town hall style event in Des Moines, Iowa. The adviser disclosed the information on condition of anonymity.

Pawlenty will make the announcement in the state with the leadoff nominating caucuses and then head to Florida, New Hampshire, New York and Washington, D.C.

The move was widely expected. The 50-year-old Pawlenty has been laying the groundwork for a run for more than a year. He took the first step in March by setting up an exploratory committee and he has built campaign operations in several key states.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)