(Radio Iowa) – Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has returned to the Iowa campaign trail as recent polling shows her support among likely Iowa Caucus-goers growing. The most recent Des Moines Register “Iowa Poll” shows Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tied for second place, 27 points behind former President Donald Trump. Haley. who served as Trump’s United Nations ambassador, is asking Iowa Caucus goers to consider Trump’s flaws.

Republican competitor Vivek Ramaswamy called Haley “Dick Cheney in heels” during last week’s televised debate. During an event in Waverly last (Thursday) night, a man in the crowd asked Haley how high her heels were. “I analyze the threats and the stronger the threat, the higher the heel,” she replied, drawing laughter and applause.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley on the Iowa campaign trail. (RI file photo)

Earlier this week, 72 current and former elected officials as well as business leaders endorsed Haley. State Representative Brian Lohse (LOH-see) of Bondurant, who describes himself as a Reagan Republican, says the group hopes to send a message that the Iowa Caucuses can be won by someone other than Trump.

Earlier this month, Lohse hosted a private meeting in his home that prompted broader discussions and ultimately led Republicans like Casey’s founder Don Lamberti and Mike Richards, whose company owns three Iowa casinos, to publicly endorse Haley. Lohse says Haley’s background and temperament are among her most effective traits.

Haley, DeSantis and Ramaswamy are scheduled to appear together later today (Friday) in Des Moines. The Family Leader, a Christian conservative group, is hosting a conversation among the candidates. Trump is scheduled to speak at a rally in Fort Dodge tomorrow (Saturday).