Iowa Gov. Branstad to Romney: Don't Skip Hawkeye State

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has some words of advice for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on his potential presidential run: Don’t ignore Iowa, the state that holds the first 2012 presidential caucuses. For months, national media has reported that Romney may not put too much effort into the Hawkeye State, where he came in second during the 2008 caucuses, the Des Moines Register reported Tuesday.

Gov. Terry Branstad: Finishing in top three in Iowa is important. (Getty Images Photo)

“I understand if you’re from Massachusetts you’re at a disadvantage when you’re competing with people from neighboring states,” Branstad said. “Nevertheless, I do think it’s important to compete here.

“Maybe you don’t have to win, but doing relatively well — and he’s considered the national front-runner – so I think being in the top three is important in Iowa.”

Romney has said that reports that he will skip Iowa are false. He plans to visit the state this month.

Branstad said he’s not scheduled to meet with Romney, at least not yet. He would be happy to sit down with him, however, the governor said.

Mitt Romney, Terry Branstad, Iowa caucuses, 2012, presidential run