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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The residential campaign in Iowa looks like it might finally be underway.

Newt Gingrich has all but announced his intention to run, while 2008 Caucus winner Mike Huckabee has been on a book tour around the state.

Now that Gingrich has thrown his hat in the ring, Wapello County Republican Chair Trudy Caviness tells KTVO she expects the field to round into shape pretty quickly.

However, uncertainty over the actual date for the event may be making it difficult for potential candidates to know when they need to start their run.

Iowa's first in the nation caucuses are scheduled for February 6.

But other states covet Iowa's position on the calendar and Iowa may have to move that date up into early January.

Caviness says Iowa will be first this year, but that if the state wants to continue that tradition, Iowans need to turn out to meet and great the candidates at every opportunity.

Caviness believes if Iowans show they take the caucuses seriously, candidates and the national parties will continue to support the state's place on the calendar.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.