Huckabee: Iowa visit is political

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) will be in Iowa on Nov. 21 to keynote a “Celebrate the Family” event, and he said it's definitely a "political" visit.

There were some suggestions that Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, would be in a pastoral role when he addressed the Iowa Family Policy Center.

But his PAC put out a statement Wednesday to say Huckabee, who won the 2008 Iowa caucuses, will be there for politics.

"The governor often speaks openly and unapologetically about his own personal Christian faith, but he doesn’t want there to be any confusion as to the nature of this invitation. The speaking request was made through Governor Huckabee’s Political Action Committee. The governor was invited to speak about the political issues of the day and how they shape the culture of our country. His message will be political, but not partisan," said Huck PAC executive director Hogan Gidley.

Huckabee hasn't said whether or not he'll run for president in 2012, but he has led in early polling in the state.

And he isn't the only possible 2012 candidate who will be in Iowa this month.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich will sign copies of his new book in Cedar Rapids on Nov. 17, according to local news reports.

Gingrich will also be in West Des Moines on Nov. 16 for a signing and a stop at Iowa State University.