"Powerful Republican Figures Unite at Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner"

Former President Donald Trump maintains a double-digit lead over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Iowa polls, but his absence from group forums and criticism of popular Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has left an opening for other Republican candidates to gain ground. The state's voters expect to meet presidential candidates in person and establish a real connection before deciding to support them. While Trump still leads in early-state polling, candidates like Nikki Haley and Tim Scott are generating buzz and have the opportunity to catch fire as the Republican presidential campaign in Iowa ramps up.