By MIKE GLOVER

Associated Press

SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin greeted hundreds of admirers in Sioux City on Sunday, fueling speculation about a possible presidential run in 2012.

Iowa's caucuses traditionally kick off the presidential nominating season, and Republican strategists saw the stop in Palin's national book-signing tour as a signal not to be missed.

"No politician comes to Iowa by accident," Republican strategist Tim Albrecht said.

As with other stops on Palin's book tour, the event was tightly controlled with photographers allowed in briefly and reporters banned. Palin arrived about 90 minutes late.

"Thank you guys very much," she said to those gathered to watch her arrival.

"She's a down to earth person who will fight against the government," Stan Millage, of Sioux City, said. "I can see her out there fishing with the guys. Plus, she's hot."

Other supporters also described Palin as down to earth and someone they thought might lead the country someday.

"I think she's one of the few individuals who can whip Congress into shape," said Grant Buldhaupt, from Des Moines.

Iowa's Republican caucuses have been increasingly dominated by social and religious conservatives like Palin. Many strategists noted that her book-signing event was in Republican-dominated western Iowa, which would likely be her base if she ran.

"In Iowa Republican politics, the more populist and religious conservatives are in control," Drake University political science professor Dennis Goldford said. "They adore her."