Pawlenty promises one-on-one Iowa caucus campaign

Published 11:20 am Tuesday, May 3, 2011

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty promises to devote the time and resources needed for an extensive campaign for Iowa’s leadoff precinct caucuses.

After speaking and taking questions for an hour Tuesday in Ames, Pawlenty told The Associated Press that Iowa activists expect one-on-one attention. He says such campaigns are common in the Midwest and he’s comfortable with that personal approach.

Pawlenty has formed a presidential exploratory committee and recently announced the hiring of Iowa staffers for his likely caucus campaign.

Although some expect Pawlenty will get a boost with Iowa voters because he’s from a neighboring state, Pawlenty says people don’t choose candidates based on geography.

Pawlenty plans another event Tuesday night in Adel. On Wednesday, he’ll speak in Urbandale, then tour the Pioneer Hi-Bred Research Center in Johnston.