Ted Cruz Turns His Attention to Iowa, Sparking 2016 Talk

On Friday, the Republican Party of Iowa announced that U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas will be appearing at an event on their behalf in Des Moines on July 19. With Iowa being the first caucus state, this will only increase speculation that Cruz will run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

Thats not the only event Cruz has scheduled in Iowa. At another event in July, Cruz -- along with possible 2016 rival U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. -- will be speaking to evangelical leaders in Iowa.

If he runs, Cruz could be a major player, especially in Iowa where social and religious conservatives can propel a candidate to victory in the Republican caucus. Just look at Mike Huckabees and Rick Santorums wins in Iowa the last two election cycles.