DES MOINES – Political heavyweights of both parties descended on Iowa Monday for precinct caucuses that launched a battle for the state’s highest political office, as well as stepping up the pressure for the next presidential nomination cycle.

Across the state, activists in each of the nearly 2,000 precincts gathered at fire stations, churches, schools and community centers to begin the process of electing delegates to the state Republican and Democratic conventions on June 17.

They are beginning the process of writing party platforms and electing local party leaders including precinct captains.

With Gov. Tom Vilsack not running for another term, a heated gubernatorial election will dominate the state’s political agenda, while the next presidential nominating season also is looming heavily.

“Your state is so important in our country and our political process,” former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie told reporters. “It is such a critical battleground state.”

Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee, of Arkansas, headed to a Sioux County caucus in heavily Republican western Iowa. The visit comes as potential presidential candidates of both parties step up their focus on Iowa, where precinct caucuses in two years will mark the first test of the presidential nominating season.

In addition to Huckabee, Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., brought his immigration argument to activists in Polk County, with former Republican National Committee Chairman Jim Gilmore.

U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle and Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats are waging a battle for the GOP nomination, and Nussle brought in a string of heavyweights to act as surrogates at caucuses.

The Nussle contingent included Gillespie and former House Majority Leader Dick Armey.