Obama and Ryan to Visit Iowa

Trip will be the first solo campaign outing for Romney's VP pick.

CHICAGO — The political rivalry between President Barack Obama and Republican budget maven Paul Ryan entered a new phase today as both men vie for the spotlight and swing votes in the key presidential battleground of Iowa.

Obama embarks on a bus tour from Council Bluffs, in the western part of the state, cutting across the drought-stricken farmland over three-days to hit seven stops along the way. It marks his most aggressive effort of the year in the state that catapulted him to the presidency four years ago.

Ryan, fresh off his debut as vice presidential running mate for Mitt Romney, will "drop by" the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines on his first solo day of stumping for the GOP ticket. The novelty of his new role is sure to draw curious crowds.