Here in Des Moines, an exhibition room at the Polk County Convention Complex is slowly filling up with Fred Thompson supporters and a who’s who of national media types in anticipation of Thompson’s kickoff event. Two former Iowa governors – Terry Branstad and Bob Ray – are also here, according to a campaign official.

Earlier today I spoke with Mary Tiffany, communications director for the Iowa GOP. While careful to stay neutral among the candidates, she says there’s plenty of time for Iowans who have already aligned themselves with a candidate to hear Thompson out and change their minds. She called the race “wide open.”

A former Miss Iowa just got things started with the national anthem. Let the (official) campaign begin. Finally.

UPDATE: Fred, a few minutes later: