AMES, Iowa (AP) — In Iowa Thursday night, the Republicans commanded the spotlight. Seven candidates - former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and businessman Herman Cain - sought to separate themselves from the packed field and emerge as the chief alternative to lead candidate Mitt Romney. Pawlenty, who hesitated in a June debate to criticize the former Massachusetts governor, this time accused him of sharing views with Obama on spending and health care. "We're going to have to show contrast, not similarities" with the incumbent president, Pawlenty said. He sought repeatedly to tie Romney and Obama together by poking at both. "Where's Barack Obama on these issues? You can't find his plans on the most pressing issues in this country," Pawlenty said, promising audience members and TV viewers he would "come to your house and cook you dinner" if they could find Obama's proposals. "Or if you prefer I'll come to your house and mow your lawn ... In case Mitt wins, I'd limit it to one acre." Romney, who has several homes, smiled and took a pass when given a chance to respond, saying, "That's just fine." He kept his focus on Obama, saying, "Our president simply doesn't understand how to lead and how to grow the economy." He also criticized Democrat Obama on the downgrade of the nation's credit rating. Appearing in <b>...</b>
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