Scott Walker Heads to Iowa to Ramp Up the 2016 Talk

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin is already a folk hero to Republicans for standing up to government employees on collectivebargainingand becoming the first governor in American history to defeat a recall effort. Walker won the recall effort by a larger margin than that which propelled him to victory in 2010.

Needless to say, Walker is already generating presidential buzz -- and that will only amplify as he heads to Iowa. Walker will be giving a speech in Iowa on Thursday which had led to speculation about his ambitions in 2016. For the moment, Walker is playing down such talk but hes not exactly shutting the door on a presidential bid.

If Walker enters the race, hell clearly be a major player in the primaries. Hell also hold a few advantages in Iowa which holds the first caucus. Walker has roots there, having spent some of his boyhood in Iowa. Walker also is close with Gov. Terry Branstad. Withorganizationbeing crucial in Iowa, having Branstads support would give him a leg up over some of the other Republican hopefuls.

Keep an eye on Walker. Unlike many governors and former governors who have sought the Republican nomination in recent years -- we mean you, Tim Pawlenty -- Walker is already a national figure. If he enters the race, Walker starts as a top contender.