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There are probably as many naysayers as there are supporters to the significance of the Iowa Straw Poll. In an especially long campaign season there is no shortage of spin from candidates, pundits and the public as well as the piles of polling data and media reports, predictions and forecasts. Based on the history of the Iowa Straw Poll, it is one of the few sources of information to date in this campaign that may actually affect the chances of candidates for 2008.

This post is for anyone interested in the straw poll who is short on information. You must know by now that today is the day, Saturday August 11, for the straw poll. A piece from VOA news includes a statement about straw poll results:

Results of the straw poll in Ames Saturday will be made public at the end of the day and will likely fuel many discussions by pundits on Sunday news programs.

The RPI or Republican Party of Iowa website has a section on the straw poll with files offering information about the grounds, parking and other straw poll information.

There is live blogging being provided by Cyclone Conservatives from blogspot. They suggest checking early this afternoon CDT for reports on candidate speeches, etc.

For any coverage or reporting on the Iowa Straw Poll from broadcast, cable or other internet sources including mobile updates, you’re on your own. It is anticipated that most interested parties already have what they need and the information above is primarily for those coming late to the party.

Below are some references to reports on the straw poll. A summary or review of the straw poll may include facts about past outcomes and the effects on previous campaigns. George Bush 43 won and became the nominee. Bob Dole tied Phil Gramm, became the nominee but lost the election. In this year’s poll of course, Giuliani and McCain have decided not to participate and polls have shown Romney as the likely winner. Tommy Thompson, one of only two candidates to visit all 99 counties in Iowa is reported to be viewing his chances of placing well in the likely column but most reports indicate the results will dictate a go/no go decision for him. Brownback and Huckabee need to place near the top while Ron Paul will find out if his online success can translate into campaign success.

The bottom line is everyone should know by this evening and at least one set of questions in the 2008 campaign will be answered. Winners and losers alike will probably have spin that raises more questions and discussions after the straw poll that will simply alter details of the non-stop dialogue over who will be President or at least the nominee for the GOP next year.

Below are selected reports in the news…..

Candidates Speak Out On Iowa Straw Poll (with video link)

There’s less than 24 hours until the biggest political event of the year, the Iowa Straw Poll. Yesterday, we told you about the historical significance of the poll, but how do this year’s candidates feel?

… results could determine the political future of some, for others it a chance to test the waters.

Brownback faces crucial test in Iowa straw poll

By STEVE KRASKE
The Kansas City Star
The Iowa Republicans’ straw poll — set for Saturday night — has a history of serving as a political Grim Reaper.

If you don’t meet expectations, even though it’s a mock election, you can begin numbering your days as a presidential candidate.

Judge okays use of machines for straw poll

JENNIFER JACOBS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
August 10, 2007

A federal judge shot down a request from a group of Iowans who distrust computerized voting machines and wanted ballots at today’s Republican straw poll to be stored in clear plastic containers then hand counted.

U.S. District Judge James Gritzner of Des Moines denied their request Friday for a temporary restraining order and an injunction against the straw poll’s use of the Diebold machines. The judge said there are no previous legal rulings that an unofficial straw poll offered by a private political entity is a public election that would be entitled to Constitutional protections.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 11th, 2007 at 1:51 pm and is filed under Public Affairs, wordpress, Politics, campaign, election, GOP, blog, News Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.