1 Week to the Iowa Straw Poll

It is 1 week to the 1st true test of the 2008 Republican Presidential Candidates strength, the Iowa Straw Poll. The Poll is sponsored by the Iowa GOP. It was 1st held 8 yrs ago before the 2000 caucuses. (With GW in office there was no need for 1 in 2003.)

The event is important for several reasons. As I said, it is the 1st true test of the various candidates strength. It will begin the culling process. In 1999 the poor showings of Lamar Alexander & Elizabeth Dole resulted in their dropping out of the race. In fact, I think the fact that McCain & Giuliani are avoidng it is their way of trying to avoid this happening to them.

Then, it has proven to be an accurate guide to what will happen in the January caucuses.

3rd, it is great PR for Iowa. & it is good for the economy of the Ames/Des Moines area as well as the whole state. I say that because of the fact that it brings the candidates, their staff & the media to Iowa in the weeks leading up to it & esp the day of the Straw Poll.

4th it helps the state party to raise much needed funds for the upcoming 2008 election cycle.

Finally, it is just a fun gathering of Republicans to celebrate who they are & what they believe.

The event is held on 11 August 2007 at Ames IA in the Hilton Coliseum & surrounding area. It begins at 9 am. Voting begins at 10 am. Voting ends at 6 pm & the results will be announced at 7 pm. Each candidate will have an area where they will provide food & entertainment for their supporters & potential supporters. Several groups will also have booths. Besides the candidates there will be appearances by talk shows hosts like Neil Boortz & Laura Ingraham.

To vote, you need proof you are an Iowa resident (drivers licence, IA ID, IA College ID) & that you will be 18 on election day in 2008.

I am looking forward to the event. & I invite everyone who can, even if you aren't an Iowan, to come & join us. Besides, given how upset the 1999 event made World Socialists, here is a chance to get them even (& other moonbats on the far left, including most of the Democratic Party leadership) more POed.