Patrick PAC stockpiling cash for pro-Obama travels

BOSTON (AP) -- A political action committee formed by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to finance his activities on behalf of President Barack Obama's re-election effort has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars so far this year.

According to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission, Patrick's Together PAC took in about $253,000 and spent approximately $122,000 during the first three months of 2012.

The PAC has raised more than $700,000 since being formed last March. Officials say the money pays for Patrick's travels and events in support of Obama, but does not go directly to the president's campaign.

Patrick is scheduled to leave Thursday for a three-day West Coast swing that will include fundraisers for Together PAC in Los Angeles and Seattle. He's also scheduled to speak at a Democratic party event in Portland, Ore.

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