With former Arkansas governor and Republican caucus victor Mike Huckabee visiting Iowa Nov. 20 and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal visiting Nov. 22, it’s beginning to seem like the race for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination is already underway.

With that in mind, the Sioux City Journal asked 11 Republican county chairs in the conservative stronghold of northwest Iowa whom they hoped would be victorious, proving that in Iowa it is always a presidential election year.

1. Mitt Romney

Why: The former Massachusetts Governor and CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City was essentially the runner-up in 2008.

What they said: “(Romney) is just a genius when it comes to finances, and our country desperately needs that experience.” — Clay County GOP Chairman George Moriarity of Spencer

2. Sarah Palin

Why: The young Alaska governor was a popular force among base conservatives as John McCain’s running mate.

What they said: “I believe that (Palin) is a woman of integrity and great talent. … She has a gift, a brightness to her, a freshness that we haven’t seen in a long time.” — Emmet County GOP Chairwoman Debra Satern of Estherville

3. Bobby Jindal

Why: The Louisiana governor, at 36 the youngest governor in the United States, offers a fresh face and conservative credentials.

What they said: “(Jindal) has got a good (life) story. He’s an up-and-coming, energetic guy, and he’s a good communicator.” — Woodbury County GOP Chairman Kevin Alons of Salix

4. Mike Huckabee

Why: Huckabee rode a wave of support in Iowa, especially in Sioux County, to a caucus win and appeals to evangelical Christian conservatives.

What they said: “I think we need some new, young, energetic leadership — conservative, but new.” — Lyon County GOP Chairman John Fluit Jr. of Inwood

County chairs were asked to select three, and rankings were tabulated by assigning three points for a top pick, two points for a second and one point for third.