Washington (CNN) -- With his budget approved by the House, Paul Ryan is turning his attention to Iowa to headline a high-profile Republican event that will only fuel speculation he's laying the groundwork for a potential presidential run in 2016. Lawmakers approved the Wisconsin Republican's 2015 spending plan on Thursday. But there were notable conservative defections, making his appearance at Friday's Lincoln Dinner in Cedar Rapids more interesting. The question that confronts Ryan is whether his budget, dubbed the "path to prosperity," will help pave a path for him to compete in the early contest state in two years. Or will it prove a political liability when Republicans choose their next White House nominee?
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Ryan headed to Lincoln Day dinner in Iowa
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Ryan's budget, "path to prosperity, or path to presidency?"
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Sarah Palin calls new Ryan budget "a joke."
But some Iowa @placeholder say Ryan's willingness to tackle tough issues appeals to conservatives there who are especially concerned about the nation's debt.