Bob Vander Plaats: Newt can contend in Iowa if he "can identify resources"

Bob Vander Plaats, an important conservative voice in Iowa, echoed fellow conservative Hawkeye Steve Deace's criticism of Rick Perry's position on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants -- and the Texas Governor's characterization of opponents to that policy.

FoxNews.com:

And Vander Plaats, head of the Iowa Family Policy Center, was surprised that Perry made no attempt during his follow-up remarks Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida to adjust or explain himself on immigration following Thursday night's assertion that those who disagree with him "have no heart."

They further quote Vander Plaats:

Vander Plaats had expected Perry to win the Iowa caucus and said the Texas governor enjoyed lots of evangelical support only 3 weeks ago, but now he is suggesting that Iowa could warm to another Republican contender. He argues that if Rick Santorum or Newt Gingrich can identify resources, or if Herman Cain and Ron Paul can convince people they are electable, or if Michelle Bachmann can regain momentum, the Hawkeye state and its caucus could be within their reach.

"There is a huge opening in Iowa. Right now the first in the nation Caucus state is completely up for grabs," Vander Plaats said to Fox News.

The resources Newt 2012 needs are campaign funds and volunteer hours. Please give what you can in terms of either. And if you can't give either -- or already have and can't give anymore -- keep spreading the word to friends and family. Have them sign up on Newt.org -- preferably Newt.org/volunteer -- and have them do the same.

I keep saying it, but it bears repeating again: Iowa is roughly four months away. Plenty of time to go.

(And it needs to be said that Newt is already showing improvements in terms of money and volunteers. We just need to keep it going.)