Iowa straw poll next Saturday may buoy 2nd-tier GOP hopefuls

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10096344

Published Sunday | August 5, 2007
Straw poll may buoy 2nd-tier hopefuls
BY ROBYNN TYSVER
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

AMES, Iowa — Thousands of Iowa Republicans will travel to Ames on Saturday to chow down on barbecue and deliver the first ranking of GOP presidential candidates.

The straw poll may resemble a carnival, with free food served under big tents, but it also promises high political drama in the state that will hold the nation's first presidential nominating contest in 2008.

Past straw polls have spelled doom for some candidates, while giving others a chance to break out of the pack.

Two of the three candidates whom opinion polls currently put in the top tier — Arizona Sen. John McCain and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani — are skipping the straw vote.

That lack of competition means the spotlight could shine brighter on the second-place finisher than the winner.


FULL story at link.

[Debi]

1. Did you watch the debate this AM on ABC?

:crazy:

[bigwest]

2. I read where....

Ron Paul is one of the few Repug. candidates whose supporters seem to care enough to get involved on their own.
I wonder if he'll creep up on a few of them there neo-cons in IA?