By Bob von Sternberg
When Gov. Tim Pawlenty makes his much-hyped appearance before Iowa's Republican Party next month, C-SPAN will broadcast his speech nationwide, the state's GOP announced today.
Pawlenty's Nov. 7 speech at the party's "Leadership for Iowa" reception at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines is widely seen as a clear sign that he's laying the groundwork for a presidential run in 2012. Iowa's precinct caucuses are the first stop in the presidential race and presumptive Republican candidates have been regularly visiting the state.
Although he has traveled extensively across the country to introduce himself to Republican activists, the speech is Pawlenty's first foray to Iowa since he announced that he would not seek a third term. When his appearance was announced early this month, Pawlenty said he had "made a point of avoiding Iowa ... so I wouldn't create this kind of speculation." But, he added, when the party's leaders asked him to come, he agreed to do so "to help my neighboring state."
The reception, which will feature GOP candidates for governor will be attended by party activists, county chairs and donors -- all key to mounting a presidential bid in the state.
Pawlenty has remained mum about his future political plans.
