Group Plans Events For Potential Caucus Candidates

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A group of social conservatives will hold a lecture series featuring potential Republican presidential candidates who will speak at events throughout Iowa.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be the first to join in the events organized by The Family Leader, a group headed by former Iowa gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats.

Vander Plaats announced Thursday that each participant will speak at three events, beginning with a morning speech in Sioux Center, then moving to Pella and finishing in Iowa City.

Pawlenty will speak Feb. 7. Others taking part include Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Sen. Rick Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and radio host Herman Cain. Invitations have been sent to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, 2008 Iowa caucus winner Mike Huckabee, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and others.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)