GOP presidental-nomination candidate Tim Pawlenty named 10 Iowa legislators to his Iowa Legislative Steering Committee on Monday, according to a campaign press release.

Among the lawmakers is Sen. Shawn Hamerlinck, R-Dixon, who has come under fire for his June comments to Iowa student lobbyists, telling the students at the Statehouse to leave the “political circus” to the Legislature.

Rep. Erik Helland, R-Johnston, is the Majority Whip in the Iowa House and is the state director of Pawlenty’s campaign.

“I am fortunate to have this talented group of legislators on my team,” Pawlenty said in the release. “Their experience and knowledge combined with their eagerness to restore American prosperity bolsters my Iowa campaign’s efforts to build successful coalitions in this important state.”

Pawlenty also chose Rep. Chris Hagenow, R-Windsor Heights, the current chairman of the House Committee on Government Oversight.

Other legislators in the Iowa Legislative Steering Committee are Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull; Rep. Linda Miller, R-Bettendorf; Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley; Rep. Chip Baltimore, R-Boone; Rep. Joel Fry, R-Osceola; and Rep. Steve Lukan, R-Dubuque.

— by Ariana Witt