DES MOINES, Iowa -- A nationally televised debate, a test vote in Iowa and a candidacy by Gov. Rick Perry -- should he decide to seek the GOP nomination -- could shake up the Republican presidential race in the coming days.
The entire field of Republican candidates plans to participate in Thursday's debate in Iowa, the first that will include former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, and most were staying in the leadoff caucus state for a straw poll two days later when GOP activists will indicate their presidential preferences for the first time.Perry planned to be elsewhere, but his likely candidacy was looming large.With the first votes of 2012 less than six months away, the week promises to refocus the political world, to a certain extent at least, on the GOP nomination fight after months of debate in Washington over the nation's debt.For months, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has led the Republican field in polls and money while no fewer than a half-dozen -- Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Huntsman among them -- have fought to emerge as his main challenger. All the while, the GOP electorate has made clear in polls that it wants more choices, perhaps a conservative who is strong on both economic and social issues, leading Perry to consider a White House bid. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is also keeping the door open and plans to headline a Tea Party rally in Iowa on Sept. 3, though many Republicans consider her far less likely than Perry to run.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
