IOWA INSIDER

Associated Press is reporting that Paul Tewes, who was the brains behind Barack Obama’s Iowa caucus win, could be tapped to oversee operations at the Democratic National Committee.

For all his success in assembling Obama’s grassroots campaign, Tewes shunned the spotlight during his time with the campaign in Iowa.

A native of Minnesota, Tewes also ran Democrat Al Gore’s Iowa caucus campaign in 2000.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan, who has stayed neutral in the party’s presidential nominating contest until now, announced this morning he is backing Barack Obama.

“Barack Obama spent nearly a year campaigning here prior to the caucuses. He built one of the strongest grassroots organizations we’ve ever seen in the state, and Iowans know and like Barack Obama,” Brennan said at a news conference announcing his endorsement.

Brennan said Obama is bringing new people to the political process at historic levels in Iowa and around the country.

But it is rare that a party chair, who typically stays neutral in primaries, would endorse a candidate before the primary race is officially completed.

Obama, who won Iowa’s presidential caucuses in January, could be poised to claim the majority of the party’s pledged delegates after the results from Kentucky and Oregon primaries are tabulated tonight. Brennan’s endorsement comes as the Illinois senator is scheduled to hold a rally in downtown Des Moines this evening.

Iowa GOP Chairman Stew Iverson revealed Monday two of the big draws for the Republican state convention in Des Moines on June 14.

Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who is now rumored to be a leading VP contender, will make an appearance.

Also in attendance will be former House speaker Newt Gingrich.

It looks like the jockeying in Iowa for 2012 might already be beginning …