Associated Press
06-14-07
Straw Poll Facts
The Republican Party of Iowa is planning its latest Iowa Straw Poll, with the
event planned August eleventh at Iowa State University in Ames. Speeches
from the various candidates will take place in Hilton Coliseum, a large basketball
arena on campus.
Tickets to the straw poll cost $30 and all who hold a ticket are eligible to cast
ballots at the arena.
Those voting do not have to attend the speeches, and organizers do not check
for party affiliation when ballots are cast.
Ballots are counted at the end of the evening, under the supervision of party
officials not affiliated with any campaign. The results are then announced. The
results are not binding.
The party makes money by selling tickets to the event, but also rents out space
on the grounds surrounding the arena. In past cycles, campaigns have rented
that space and erected tents where backers are served food and provided with
entertainment throughout the day.
The ballot currently includes: Sam Brownback, John Cox, Jim Gilmore, Rudy
Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney,
Tom Tancredo and Tommy Thompson.
Party officials say they will include "any other credible candidate" who emerges
before the event.
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