Tim Pawlenty is among the top five, or, at least, the first five.

South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Karen Floyd  announced today that Minnesota's former governor will be among the first five candidates invited — and committing — to the South Carolina GOP-Fox News First in the South Presidential Primary Debate.

Invited with Pawlenty for the May 5 event in Greenville, S.C., are: former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania.

Said Floyd: “The road to the White House travels through South Carolina, as our Republican electorate has selected every eventual nominee since our primary’s inception in 1980. We are looking forward to our debate as the official kickoff for the presidential primary season.”

Other candidates might join the tussle, she said.