All Eyes on Iowa

As of Monday morning, just a tad over 24 hours before Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses, the balance of power among the top GOP presidential candidates had once again shifted. Most surprising was the reemergence of Rick Santorum — remember him? — as an actual contender in a race that’s already seen the resurrection of another seemingly lifeless campaign in that of Republican rival Newt Gingrich. Time for a last-minute rally. –KA

The New York Times:

The six Iowa contenders are fanning out across the state in 19 planned campaign rallies and meet-and-greets Monday, looking for anyone who might be willing to brave the newly frigid winter weather to caucus for them Tuesday night.

At the Rising Sun Cafe in Polk City, Rick Santorum, the former senator from Pennsylvania, dismissed concern about whether his scrappy campaign can go the distance against Mitt Romney in what could be a drawn-out primary battle.

“We’ve raised more money in the last few days than we have in the last few months,” Mr. Santorum said, adding that the new national attention he is receiving will persuade donors to contribute to what he called a “conviction politician” in the race.

“I’m hopeful what voters in Iowa will do is to raise us up there and say, take a look at this guy,” Mr. Santorum said.

A poll released Sunday by The Des Moines Register offered evidence of a powerful surge by Mr. Santorum in the final days of his campaign to overtake Mr. Romney and Representative Ron Paul of Texas for first place in the caucuses that kick off the Republican nomination contest.

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