Ready for 2012?: Three Republicans are planting seeds in Iowa

It's never too early for potential candidates to visit an important caucus state, especially if you're a member of the political party on the outs. That was proven in recent days when three -- count 'em, three -- Republicans who may have 2012 aspirations on the White House either visited Iowa or announced plans to stop there soon.

On Nov. 7, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was the keynoter at the state GOP's "Leadership for Iowa" dinner in Des Moines. A day later, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, an alum of the 2008 race as well as a leading early candidate to carry the party colors in 2012, was in Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines signing copies of his new book, "A Simple Christmas."

The third Republican, former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, has a book that came out last week. After a tour that had her signing in a Sam's Club in South Strabane on Saturday, she'll be in Sioux City on Dec. 6 hawking copies of "Going Rogue: An American Life."

Three national Republicans in Iowa less than a year into President Barack Obama's term and the 2012 general election not even a smudge on the horizon yet. Mr. Huckabee has been out of office for two years and Ms. Palin quit her job, but doesn't Gov. Pawlenty have a state to run?

No doubt these three are planting seeds in Iowa, hoping to harvest votes in the not-distant future. There's also no doubt that most Americans aren't ready for perpetual campaigning.