Likely 2012 presidential candidates have been sniffing around Iowa for months on book tours and under-the-radar speaking engagements. But now the entire field–all dozen or so possible GOP challengers–are being invited to a megachurch on the outskirts of Des Moines for a March 7th candidates’ forum–the first of its kind for 2011.
And the question is: Who will be so bold as to come?
Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, says the group plans to send invitations out this week to anyone who has expressed the slightest interest in the 2012 Republican nomination. That means everyone from Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich to Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum. Even Atlanta radio host Herman Cain will get an invitation.
“I’d think that these potential candidates would like the chance to come have a dialogue with evangelical Christians,” said Mr. Scheffler, one of the state’s most prominent GOP organizers and a member of the Republican National Committee.
Normally, candidates would jump at the opportunity to address as many as 1,000 conservative activists in the state that holds the first big test of the presidential election.
But this cycle is already looking a little weird as challengers continue to stay mum over whether they will compete for the nomination or not. Many say they plan to keep coy until April or even later.
Attending a prominent candidate forum in Iowa in early March could be the first overt step some of the challengers take toward a 2012 bid.
