In a speech to the New Hampshire delegation breakfast Monday morning, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) made the case to Granite State Democrats that the states should fight to keep their presidential nominating events’ calendar spots.

“In some ways, we made the best case ever in 2008 for why it is so important to allow the candidates to get out there on the grass-roots level, to force them to interact directly with people, to roll up their sleeves, to take the tough questions, to be tested,” Culver said. “Iowa and New Hampshire, in my biased opinion, provide that type of opportunity for candidates.”

Culver, one of the tallest governors in the country, towered above delegates, supporters and party officials as he moved through the crowd of about 75 people. The first-term governor seemed very familiar with the crowd, even calling out one activist who had roomed with his father, former Sen. John Culver (D-Iowa), at Harvard University.

An aide to the governor said that he was also scheduled to speak to the Iowa and California delegations plus the entire convention, among other engagements this week. But in an interview after his speech, Culver scoffed at the idea that the visit to the Granite State group was a sign of future presidential aspirations.

“No, I’m absolutely committed to my job as governor,” Culver said. “I love it. We’ve got a lot of work to do, including the flood recovery, at this time.”