Jindal, Santorum, other Republicans connected to White House aspirations visiting Iowa High-profile Republicans have been spending a lot of time in Iowa lately -- the state that holds the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. While most have been quick to say they are focused on helping Mitt Romney win the state on Nov. 6, rather than on their own political futures, the visits go beyond events aimed at bolstering the Republican nominee's prospects. In recent weeks, White House contenders past and perhaps future have been seen at fundraisers, dinners and a bus tour, according to The Wall Street Journal. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Rick Santorum, the former presidential candidate, this week visited Iowa to weigh in on a judicial-retention election. A Santorum spokeswoman said Santorum is focused on electing conservative on ballots across the country. New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, both mentioned as potential 2016 contenders also have recently been in Iowa.