GOP leader Pence to visit Cedar Rapids

U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Indiana, will headline a number of Cedar Rapids-area events Friday.

Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn said Pence's visit, which comes on the heels of the state party's “Night of the Rising Stars” showcase that drew nearly 1,000 people, is the next step in connecting activists statewide by hosting more regional events and introducing newer Republican leaders.

"Throughout his career in public service, Pence has been a forceful advocate for our party's principles of limited government, personal responsibility, and political, economic and religious freedom," Strawn said.

More recently, in his new role as the third-ranking congressional Republican, Pence has been at the forefront of such issues as drafting a forceful statement of support from Congress for Iranian demonstrators to fighting the national energy tax "cap and trade" bill that would devastate Iowa's economy.

Details of Pence's announcement will be announced later.