Colorado's Tancredo testing the waters in Iowa

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Colorado Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo is headed to Iowa this weekend to test the waters on a potential presidential run, his spokesman said Friday. Tancredo, known for his outspoken criticism of illegal immigration, will meet with Iowa GOP leaders and grassroots activists to see how they would respond if he ran, Tancredo spokesman Carlos Espinosa said.

Tancredo will also promote his book, ''In Mortal Danger,'' which warns about the need to secure U.S. borders.

If he runs, Tancredo's campaign would make immigration a central issue, Espinosa said.

Iowa is home to the first nominating caucus in January 2008.

Tancredo views the trip as vital in his decision whether to run, Espinosa said. ''A lot hinges on this — this weekend will determine a lot,'' Espinosa said.

Tancredo is partly testing the support among Iowa Republicans for another likely candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who has proposed a guest worker program for illegal immigrants that has drawn loud criticism from Tancredo and other anti-immigration activists.