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Des Moines, Iowa (AP)

Iowa group plans events for potential caucus candidates

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Leaders of an Iowa social conservative group announced plans Thursday for a lecture series that will bring potential Republican presidential candidates to sites throughout the state.

The Family Leader plans to cap the series with a presidential debate in November, not long before Iowa Caucuses in February 2012.

Bob Vander Plaats, the president of the group and a former Republican candidate for governor, said each candidate who accepts an invitation would spend the day in Iowa, giving lectures and holding discussions.

Events would begin in the morning at Dordt College in Sioux Center, where candidates would participate in roundtable discussions and give a lecture. Candidates then would hold similar events at Pella High School and end the day at the University of Iowa.

Vander Plaats said activists will videotape the events so others can learn more about the candidates.

"We plan on blasting that message to our some 50,000 e-mail database of constituents," said Vander Plaats, saying all who attend will be asked to deliver "their pro-family vision."

The lectures series will begin Feb. 7 with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, followed by Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann on April 11. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is scheduled May 2, Vander Plaats said.

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and businessman and radio host Herman Cain have committed to attend but dates are still being negotiated, Vander Plaats said.

Others who have been invited include former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Indiana Rep. Mike Pence.

Vander Plaats said messages also have been left with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

All are Republicans, although Vander Plaats said the group has also decided it will invite President Barack Obama to participate.

The series will conclude Nov. 19 with a debate to be held somewhere in the central part of the state.

Social conservatives are an important constituency in Iowa, as an estimated 60 percent of those who show up for the GOP caucuses are self-identified evangelical Christians. The group made its announcement at the State Historical Building near an exhibit about the Iowa caucuses.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)