Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who some conservative activists want to run for president in 2012, will be the marquee speaker at a Republican rally Wednesday night in Iowa City, one day before President Barack Obama will visit the same city.

GOP officials are calling the event the Stand Up for Freedom Rally.

Pence, the chairman of the House Republican Conference, will address the rally from Washington, D.C., where he is participating in Congressional business.

Pence’s participation in an event in Iowa, which holds the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses, might spark some speculation about a potential 2012 bid for the presidency, though Pence also has been frequently mentioned as a candidate for governor that year. A shoo-in for re-election this year, Pence could even stay in the House, especially if Republicans win a majority of seats.

The list of speakers also includes the four Republicans who are challenging Rep. Dave Loebsack (D) in the 2nd district, which includes Iowa City.

Obama will appear in Iowa City on Thursday afternoon to promote a health care bill that he signed into law Tuesday.