Updated: Jan. 3, 2012 at 9:37 AM

The primary race in Iowa continues (39 images)

With the first national GOP presidential caucus looming ahead on Jan. 3, 2012, the candidates are hitting the road in Iowa looking to raise their profile, their standing in the polls and their chances of winning the Republican presidential nomination.

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum makes remarks to supporters at the Pizza Ranch, as he campaigns in Boone, Iowa, January 2, 2012 in advance of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses, January 3. Santorum has come from back in the pack of candidates to challenge former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Rep. Ron Paul for the lead in the polls. UPI/Mike Theiler

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Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (R) and his wife Ann stand on stage at a campaign rally on January 2, 2012 in Davenport, Iowa. Romney leads the field of Republican presidential hopefuls in the polling before Tuesday's Iowa Caucus. UPI/Brian Kersey

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Republican presidential hopeful Texas Gov. Rick Perry encourages his supporters at a campaign rally on January 2, 2012 in Perry, Iowa. Iowa holds their first-in-the-nation caucus for the 2012 election on Tuesday. UPI/Brian Kersey

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Supporters cheer for Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney at a campaign rally on January 2, 2012 in Dubuque, Iowa. Romney leads the field of Republican presidential hopefuls in the polling before Tuesday's Iowa Caucus. UPI/Brian Kersey

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