It’s not exactly original to observe that this week feels like the start of 2012. But, original or not, today it feels well and truly upon us.

First, there’s the drama of Iowa’s Ames Straw poll. The results from that rather Tocquevillian affair should start coming in at around 6pm Eastern. You’ll be able to follow the developments throughout the day via our livewire.

Second, Texas Governor Rick Perry is ready to end his months-long tease and get in the race for real. His speech is expected around 1pm Eastern and you can watch it live here.

Lastly, if Perry doesn’t manage to oust GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney then the Dems have provided a timely little attack ad that gives a pretty clear preview of what we can expect on our TV screens throughout much of next year.

Standard and Poor’s says GOPers dismissing default as no big deal contributed to its decision to downgrade U.S. debt. Republicans now claim to have said no such thing. Which virtually demands that we publish a list of who said it, when they said it, and where they said it. Behold the list.

Did we skip anybody? If so, let us know. Shoot us the quote and a link to where it was reported. Tip line is at the top right of this page.