Potential 2012 Candidates Already Logging Miles On The Trail

The ink has not yet dried on the 2010 midterm election results, with several House races undecided and the Alaska Senate recount still ongoing, but political insiders are already buzzing about the 2012 presidential campaign.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will all be visiting Iowa this month, home of the crucial ‘first in the nation' presidential caucuses.

While it may seem early for candidates to be travelling the campaign trail, such trips aren't unprecedented. Then Senator Barack Obama made a December, 2006 stop in New Hampshire-home of the nation's first presidential primary-- while promoting his book "The Audacity of Hope." Eventual Republican nominee Senator John McCain declared his presidential candidacy soon after.

Republican Indiana Congressman Mike Pence, who has given up his leadership post in the House, and is well liked by conservatives, will be speaking at the Detroit Economic Club on Monday November 29, outlining an economic plan focused on limiting government spending, extending tax cuts and promoting free trade.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has been making many preparations needed to mount a serious presidential run. His new book "Courage to Stand" will be released in January of 2011, accompanied by a nationwide book tour. Pawlenty aides tell Fox News the tour will surely include stops in Iowa and New Hampshire, where the governor already has paid staffers on the ground.

On the other hand Mitt Romney, the man many consider the early frontrunner, has a residence in New Hampshire but has been making an effort to keep clear of the 2012 buzz. Romney aides have told Fox News "it's too early to talk about the next presidential election."

This election cycle, both parties plan to hold their first caucuses and primaries in February of 2012. But in 2008, the Iowa caucuses were held hours after the new year with New Hampshire's primary following soon after. The extra month added to the 2012 election schedule gives campaigns more time to ramp up.

Some other details of interest surrounding potential 2012 candidates include:

Sarah Palin will make two stops in Iowa during her book tour. Palin will visit West Des Moines on November 27 and Spirit Lake on December 1 during her nine day book-signing tour to promote her new book "America by Heart" which will be released on November 23rd.

Mike Huckabee, winner of the 2008 Iowa Presidential Caucuses, will make an appearance at the Iowa Family Policy Center in Des Moines, Iowa on November 21.

Newt Gingrich will read from and sign copies of his newest book, "Valley Forge: George Washington and the Crucible of Victory" in West Des Moines, Iowa on November 16 and Cedar Rapids the next day.

Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee are Fox News contributors.