Thune, Pawlenty Working Iowa Hard for 2012

Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been working Iowa hard as he prepares a potential presidential campaign for 2012. But he may face a strong challenge for home-field advantage in the nation’s first primary state from South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Politico reports.

“If he decides to run, the widespread assumption is that [Thune] will play well there,” the news service states. “And that's a problem for Pawlenty, who's been the most aggressive of the 2012 contenders about laying Iowa groundwork, with a systematic approach that includes hiring top Iowa-savvy GOP operatives and campaigning for state-level Republican candidates.”

Thune says his proximity to Iowa is allowing him to begin his campaign later than others. "I think that the advantage of being next to Iowa means you can start a little bit later," he tells Politico. He’s unlikely to officially start his campaign until late winter or early spring.