As the presidential field slowly takes shape for 2012, Marion County is becoming a hotbed of campaign activity. Several lectures have already been given by GOP hopefuls in Pella, with more planned through the summer. Irene Blom, chair of the Marion County Republicans says the series is a great opportunity to meet with the candidates and ask questions. She says committee members are hard at work organizing throughout the county, and encourages people to attend that group’s meetings as well, as they typically feature a speaker, most recently from the Gingrich and Pawlenty campaigns.