Perry shaping GOP's Iowa race without declaring candidacy

◼ Texas Gov. Rick Perry has not yet committed to a run at the GOP presidential nomination, but his potential candidacy is already shaping the prospects of Republicans in the race as the party prepares for a critical test in Iowa. - Hayley Peterson/Washington Examiner

"[Perry] has the ability to attract from both the Bachmann [supporters] and the Pawlenty [supporters] ... and that's a unique space he fills," Gross said, referring to the two GOP candidates who are expected to do well in Iowa.

The Ames Straw Poll has traditionally been considered a vital test ahead of the crucial Iowa caucuses.

That's why Iowans were aggravated when former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the perceived GOP front-runner, announced that he would skip the Iowa caucuses and instead focus on the first two primary states -- New Hampshire and South Carolina.

With Romney out of the mix, "there's a real vacuum in Iowa for someone of [Perry's] stature, magnitude and fundraising capability," said Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak.

◼ Perry’s people active all over the place - HotAir

As a presidential announcement from Texas Gov. Rick Perry looks ever more likely, his supporters and potential supporters have upped their activity in apparent preparation. Tonight in Austin, for example, a group of top Republican donors will meet to discuss whether they think Perry will be able to garner the support he needs across the country.