The 64-year-old Harkin is a political icon in the Hawkeye State where he grew up.

CNN: Iowa Sen. Harkin endorses Dean

He's already shamelessly playing up his support for wind-power subsidies in the Hawkeye State.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Ethanol vs. the World

In other words, if Iowa offered a 60 percent break, you can bet production companies would find some fascinating stories in the Hawkeye State.

FORBES: Discovery Channel's Post-Oscar Gold Rush

Before his late surge in the Hawkeye State, Mr. Santorum barely registered in polls of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

WSJ: After Iowa, a Test for Santorum

But by placing most, if not all, of his campaign's marbles in the Hawkeye State, a defeat there could end his viability as a serious candidate.

NPR: Edwards Will Stay in Race Despite Wife's Cancer

In the past five McDonald's All-Star games, only two players from the Hawkeye State made the cut, including 2010 MVP and current Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes.

WSJ: McDonald's All-American Nominations: There's Something in the Water in Sioux City-Iowa

I've written about health care for two decades, starting from my native Iowa where I covered the presidential campaign bus rides of Bill and Hillary Clinton through the Hawkeye state talking health reform and the economy.

FORBES: Obamacare, Market Push Holdout Drugstore Chains To Walgreen, CVS

First of all, University of Iowa President Dr. Sally Mason and the entire Hawkeye community, thanks for hosting us. (Applause.) The outstanding governor of the great state of Iowa, Chet Culver and First Lady Mari Culver. (Applause.) There he is back there.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks about Health Reform in Iowa City