With 2008 still a fresh memory, Pawlenty elects to headline GOP event in new Iowa maneuvering

Gov. Pawlenty headlining Iowa GOP event next month

NEW YORK — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will travel to the Iowa next month to headline a state Republican gathering.

An adviser said that Pawlenty will headline the party’s annual fall event, “Leadership for Iowa,” Nov. 7 at the state fairgrounds. Iowa is the site of the first in the nation presidential caucuses.

Pawlenty is widely believed to be considering a presidential bid in 2012. Since announcing last June that he would step down at the end of his second term next year, he has set up a political action committee, assembled an experienced team of political strategists and has spoken out on several national issues.