Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has landed a significant speaking slot in the state of Iowa next month as he makes his first trip to the early caucus state as a presidential hopeful.

The Iowa Republican Party announced today that Pawlenty will be the "featured guest" at the organization's "signature fall event," called "Leadership For Iowa," to be held November 7 at the Iowa State Fair Grounds.

From the Iowa GOP release:

Governor Pawlenty, who also serves as vice-chairman of the Republican Governors Association, will be joined by Iowa Republican candidates for governor as the Party starts a 12-month countdown to new leadership that will culminate in the election of a Republican governor and legislative majority in November 2010.

Strawn said, "During his two terms as Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty effectively worked to balance the state's budget, reduce spending, and enact important health care and education reform initiatives.

"Governor Pawlenty is an innovative, conservative leader and, as Iowa Republicans prepare for a robust gubernatorial primary election and nationally-watched general election for governor, his message of balanced budgets, lower taxes, and market-based reforms for health care and education will resonate with all Iowans," said Strawn.

Pawlenty has had an active travel schedule since announcing he wouldn't seek a third term in 2010, but this is his first trip to Iowa -- a state, it should be noted, that has some familiarity with him as Minnesota borders the Hawkeye State to the the north.