Republican presidential candidate Gary Bauer today became the third G.O.P.hopeful to kick off a bus tour of the state. Bauer left Des Moines thismorning, headed for 20 other Iowa cities over the next four days.Bauer says the nation should focus on the plight of farmers.Bauer is disappointed republicans in Congress are dragging their feet ondirect, immediate aid for farmers who are — in Bauer’s words — losingtheir farms now.Bauer is in favor of direct cash payments to farmers and he would considerchanges in the Freedom to Farm Act.Bauer promises to consider ideas to “elevate ethanol” and opposes rapid-fireapproval of “Most Favored Nation” trade status for China.Bauer makes stops today in Pella, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Muscatine andDavenport. Bauer’s republican competitors Steve Forbes and Lamar Alexanderhave also embarked on tours of the state via bus.