Iowa GOP Aims To Scale Back Sideshow At 2016 Straw Poll, Cutting Cost For White House Hopefuls

[Purveyor]

By CATHERINE LUCEY and THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press
May 7, 2015

DES MOINES, Iowa — The people behind Iowa's presidential straw poll want to go back to basics — just politics, no need for tents filled with barbecue and flashy bands.

Held since 1979, the Republican straw poll is considered an early if not always reliable test of strength in presidential campaigns. It's grown from a county fundraiser to a major event where candidates spend heavily to bus in and entertain supporters.

In 2011, for example, candidate Rick Santorum feted people event under a tent where the guitar-playing Mike Huckabee — former Arkansas governor and 2008 and 2016 GOP candidate — jammed with a classic rock band.

Critics complain the event has become a costly sideshow. The Iowa Republican Party on Thursday sought to assuage those concerns by announcing that candidates will no longer have to bid up to $35,000 for space to pitch tents at the event. The state party will also arrange for food vendors and electrical power will be provided.

Candidates can still go over the top and bring in entertainment and grub if they wish. But GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann hopes to end the idea that they have to "pay to play."

more...

http://www.startribune.com/iowa-gop-aims-to-scale-back-sideshow-at-its-2016-straw-poll/302919741/

[RandySF]

1. No Randy Travis????

[angryvet]

2. As stupid as I think the Iowa Caucus is

the straw poll is even worse. Look who has won both of them. Not a winner in the group.

[left-of-center2012]

3. Hoiw about right wing rocker Ted Nugent

In his urine stained pants?

[yellowcanine]

4. "Iowa GOP Aims To Scale Back Sideshow" Didn't realize the Iowa GOP caucus was cancelled.

Because that is the only way the sideshow gets "scaled back" at the GOP circus.