Iowa Republicans vote to continue straw poll

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Iowa Republicans vote to continue straw poll

AP foreign, Sunday January 11 2015

By CATHERINE LUCEY

Associated Press= DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republicans in Iowa have opted to carry on with their presidential straw poll, a summer political tradition that detractors decry as a sideshow.

Despite criticism from some prominent Republicans, including Gov. Terry Branstad, the Republican Party of Iowa's central committee unanimously voted Saturday to continue the event.

Committee members said the poll energizes the party base and serves as an important early test of a candidate's campaign strength.

"It is indeed an opportunity for candidates that are lesser known with not nearly the financing that some candidates would have to really have an impact," said committee member Loras Schulte. "This is kind of the kickoff to the national election, if you will."

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Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11728469

[Gothmog]

1. An event that Rand Paul can win

The Paul family is crazy but they are good at winning fake events like this strawpoll

[Renew Deal]

2. It is a sideshow, but there's nothing wrong with that.

[Jackpine Radical]

3. Nobody really gives a shit or takes it seriously.

As the Hitchhiker's Guide said of Earth, it's "mostly harmless." And if it brings a few bucks to town along with a few Republican clowns, what's the harm?

[GeorgeGist]

4. Make 'em squeal.

[VanillaRhapsody]

5. Let me guess....Huckabee wins...

[davidpdx]

6. The headline should read

Iowa Republicans vote to continue to stick straw up their noses and snort white stuff.

[brooklynite]

7. President Bachmann would approve...

[brooklynite]

8. Goodie! I might go to watch the circus...

[PeteSelman]

9. It's a cash cow.

And a boost to the local economy. They literally buy the votes out there. Odd as it may sound I think I might enjoy attending the event.