Allen, Brownback, Pataki, and Romney appeared this weekend at Iowa’s state Republican convention:

Four Republicans considering running for president in 2008 courted activists Saturday and predicted GOP success in the November elections despite the party’s sagging support in polls.

“The theme is we are right on the issues, not just for Iowa but for the country,” said New York Gov. George Pataki. “I understand what the experts are saying, but if we stick to Republican principles, we will succeed.”

Also at the Iowa Republican convention, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback said: “The Democrats want this election to be a referendum election. But the best thing we can do for the Iowa Republican Party is show that this is not a referendum. It’s a choice.”

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Virginia Sen. George Allen joined them at the convention attended by nearly 2,000 people. Aides to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee were there, too.

The event is the traditional kickoff of the fall campaign.

“It’s never been this early,” said Iowa’s Republican chairman, Ray Hoffman. “I think it’s a positive for our state.” He said the attention from presidential candidates will bring money and organizational expertise to local candidates.

This will likely be the last appearence for George Allen in Iowa as he gears up to face Jim Webb for his Senate seat this November.