Iowa stop to boost Pawlenty's profile Politics Cathy Wurzer · Oct 8, 2009 Listen Story audio 4min 44sec Gov.Timothy Pawlenty AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., is heading to Iowa next month, a key state for any potential presidential candidate. Drake University political scientist Dennis Goldford says the visit will pay off if Pawlenty decides to run for president in 2012. Stay Informed Subscribe to our politics newsletter. Email Address* Zip Code See our Privacy Policy. Must be age 13.