Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal meets with conservative religious leaders in Iowa today. The possible 2016 presidential candidate is looking to shore up support among this group of voters. According to the Des Moines Register, one meeting is scheduled for Cedar Rapids, the other in Des Moines.
University of Louisiana at Monroe Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Jindal can assess his support in the midwestern state. Iowa holds the first presidential primary for the 2016 campaign. Stockley notes that conservatives and evangelicals are a key group of voters in Iowa. "If he (Jindal) has any chance at being the Republican nominee, he must gain their support, their endorsement, and their financial backing" said Stockley.
The ULM professor describes these meetings as part of the "invisible primary". It's a time where candidates try to land endorsements and backing before the official campaign begins.