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IPFS News Link • Voting and Elections

2024 GOP battleground takes shape in Iowa

• https://thehill.com, BY JULIA MANCHESTER

Former President Trump, who garnered the attention of campaign watchers last month when he hired two Republican operatives in Iowa, is slated to hold a rally in the Hawkeye State in the near future.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) traveled to Iowa last month to campaign with Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) at a fundraiser in Fayette. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also stumped with Hinson at her reelection campaign launch event last week, while Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) visited the state on Monday and Tuesday. 

Others who have been floated as potential candidates have also made the trip, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R ). 

"This has got to be one of the busiest years in the first year of a caucus cycle that we've seen," said Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, who met with Rubio Monday night at a state party event in Clear Lake, Iowa. 

The visits highlight the state's traditional status as the first-in-the-nation presidential contest — and its importance to House Republicans. 

In addition to building their profile in Iowa ahead of a potential run, having a presence in the state allows prospective candidates to get a lay of the land in the state, which is known for its heavy retail politicking culture. Visiting the state also allows candidates to build up a network of support from operatives, activists, party chairs, and state and local lawmakers.  

Connecting with state and local activists there is of particular importance due to the caucus process, which involves having to turn people out to participate in the event at a specific time.  


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